Newton and Manning: Different approaches to the same goal

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Super Bowl week reinforced the differences between Cam Newton and Peyton Manning, a study in contrasts at quarterback that has some marking Sunday's game as old school vs. new school, the future vs. the past.

Newton, the Carolina Panthers star, remained unapologetically extroverted. He walked off the plane at San Jose International wearing black-and- gold-striped Versace pants. He flashed his smile hundreds of times during media night despite mundane and repetitive questions. His news conferences were like theater as the 26-year-old went about building his brand.

The Broncos' Manning, meanwhile, with his aw-shucks modesty, remained businesslike and guarded. His ego may be every bit as large as Newton's, but he'd rather publicly poke fun at himself than open himself to as much criticism as his counterpart. The 39-year-old admitted his physical limitations and revealed that he will someday need a new hip.

But when the pregame hoopla is over and Super Bowl 50 kicks off, the disparity between Newton and Manning will be on display where it matters most.

The Panthers quarterback is a sculpted 6-foot-6, 250-pound Greek god who can run over linebackers and fling the ball 60 yards off his back foot. Newton is attempting to become only the second quarterback to go 18-1 - Joe Montana was the other - and win a championship. A Vince Lombardi Trophy would cement the NFL MVP's legacy, but it may only hint at what is to come.

"He's been a great passer, he's been a great runner, he's been a great leader," Manning said. "You don't go 17-1 as a starting quarterback without being awesome, and that's what he's been this year, without a doubt."

Manning's legacy is secure. But two titles are better than one. He has already lost in two Super Bowls, including two years ago in a blowout defeat to the Seahawks. And this is likely his last chance. Characteristically, he was mum about his retirement plans, but it seems almost certain that he will walk away if he wins - like his boss, John Elway.

"I think his legacy is already set," Elway said. "All it does is add to it, you know?"

Many want to see Manning ride off into the sunset. The Panthers thus find themselves playing the role of potential spoiler. Newton has already been painted as a villain by many who believe his celebrations are audacious. Some think they're scripted. But his teammates say Newton is genuine.

There are just as many who have embraced his showmanship.

"Whether I want it or not, the position that I'm in, I'm given a stage, and what I do on that stage means a lot . . . for people who I'm going to actually meet and for people that are watching this live and saying, 'Damn, Cam's cool,' " Newton said. "For these same people that are saying, 'Hell, I hate Cam,' either way, I'm going to stay true to who I am and try to fulfill the things that are important to me."

Manning is just as protective of his image. He has vehemently denied recent allegations of human growth hormone use even as the NFL has launched an investigation. His arm strength hasn't been the same since neck surgery four years ago, but this season hammered home the point as he threw 17 interceptions in 10 games.

"My arm has not been the same since I got injured four years ago," Manning said. "It just simply hasn't been."

He has increasingly had to use his wits to counter Father Time. But since returning from a six-game absence because of a foot injury, Manning hasn't tossed an interception. His preparation is legendary. There might never have been or might never be a better pre-snap reader of defenses. Now the throws just have to be that much more precise.

"Using the baseball analogy, the guy that used to throw 95-plus as he gets older, maybe he can't still throw that same fastball, but he can work the corners of the plate and still strike a guy out," Manning said. "I feel like I can still move the chains. Maybe in different ways."

Newton's fastball makes up for throwing mechanics that are awkward. But it is his athleticism that makes him a nightmare for defenses. He can throw from the pocket - as Elway stated all winning quarterbacks must be able to do - but Newton, along with the Seahawks' Russell Wilson, has shattered the notion that mobility too often puts quarterbacks in harm's way.

"There's not a whole lot of guys playing now, if any, that have ever played that position the way he can, with that dual dynamic aspect of not only what he's able to do throwing the ball, but the designed runs," Panthers tight end Greg Olsen said. "And what he's able to do when the ball is snapped - it's not improvised. He's not just scrambling. He's running by design like a running back."

But Newton's quarterback IQ shouldn't be undersold. The Panthers have increasingly given him freedom at the line of scrimmage by often giving him three plays from which to choose. Manning has the reputation, but Newton is no slouch in the classroom either.

"Not only does he talk it, but he walks it," Panthers coach Ron Rivera said. "He's one of those guys that's all in, and he's truly committed. A lot of people don't see the things he does behind the scenes: the workouts, the extra film time, the extra meeting time, coming in on Tuesday on his day off."

Broncos receiver Emmanuel Sanders said that Manning goes about his business "like clockwork." He recalled the time Manning first invited him into his hotel room at training camp two years ago and he noticed his playbook lying out on the desk.

"I saw how he had his whole room set up," Sanders said. "So I started putting my playbook on the desk, and I started having success because I started studying. The way that he prepares, man, is like none other."

Brandon Marshall noted the time he was introduced to his Broncos teammates as a practice-squad linebacker, and Manning was the first to come up to him after the meeting and introduce himself.

"He's a humble individual," Marshall said.

But Manning has an edge. His sense of humor is legendary. He's fiercely competitive. That little brother Eli has one more title than him has to motivate.

"You have to ask him," Broncos tackle Ryan Harris said, "but I can only imagine when your brother is sitting across from you at Thanksgiving and he's got two Super Bowl rings and you only have one, can't be a good feeling."

Newton has a serious side, as well. A car accident a year ago, he has said, made him reevaluate his motivations. He still wears the hospital bracelet. His first son was born on Dec. 30. He named him Chosen.

But Newton is mostly playful. Some may think he's an exhibitionist, but the post-touchdown dancing and the mugging for the cameras aren't phony, the Panthers said.

"He's a jokey guy, but what you guys see on TV is exactly what he is off the field," receiver Corey Brown said. "It never stops with him, he's the same person."

Manning, who might pump his fist or raise his arms after a touchdown, doesn't seem to mind Newton's histrionics.

"I think his passion, his enthusiasm for the game, I think it's great," Manning said. "I think it's good for football."

Manning would like one more day before the future of football finally arrives.

jmclane@phillynews.com

@Jeff_McLane