Scheduled to meet face-to-face for only the second time since they were selected No. 1 and No. 2 in the 2011 NFL Draft is linebacker Von Miller and quarterback Cam Newton.
When asked if he feels like it will be a rivalry matchup between the NFL’s top defense squaring off against the NFL’s leading offense, Miller explained his mindset, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Denver Post.
“If I played quarterback, I could see it. But I like Cam Newton. That’s one of my favorite quarterbacks. Peyton (Manning) is obviously my favorite quarterback, but other than that, it’s Cam.”
“I don’t think there’s another quarterback that’s ever played the game the way he does, especially the way his personality is on the field.”
Miller continued paying due respect to Newton who likely could do some damage on the defensive side of the field as well if given the opportunity.
“If he played defense, he probably would’ve gotten $220 million because he can probably rush the passer and drop back and do safety and all that stuff, too. I’m a big fan.”
Having watched Newton’s displays of amazing athleticism throughout the course of this season, it’s clear he will be a force for Miller and Co. to contend with on Super Bowl Sunday.
The first and only time that Miller and Newton rumbled was in November of 2012 when the Broncos dusted the Panthers (36-14). Miller came away with one of the seven total sacks that Newton endured in that game.
Fresh off of 335 passing yards, two passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns, Newton should be anticipating the heat from Miller, who just posted four tackles and 2.5 sacks on Tom Brady last week.
Even though Miller doesn’t see the Super Bowl as a rivalry game against Newton, viewers and fans will certainly be watching to see which tremendous athlete prevails when the confetti storm lets loose February 7.