Sunday’s AFC Championship game was more than likely the final time that we will see the Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady game played out. This begs the question: who will be the next exciting rivalry to watch? I will answer this question with Cam Newton and Russell Wilson. These two quarterbacks so far can account for the last three Super Bowl appearances including the 2016 Super Bowl. They have also faced off every year since Wilson was drafted by the Seahawks in 2012. Here are some reasons why you should tune in to watch the next time these two teams meet.
The New NFL Rivalry: Cam Newton vs. Russell Wilson
Every time these players have faced off the game has been decided by one score. Even the recent playoff game between the two of them came down to an onside kick. If you do not believe me look it up, these teams have played each other every season since Wilson was drafted and they have always been close games. Even Brady vs. Manning hasn’t had a lot of close games. They have had some nail biters but for the most part Brady seems to beat Manning pretty well with the exception of the playoffs. However, Wilson and Newton always have close games, they are always well-battled and are definitely worthy to watch.
It will be a slug fest. These are two teams that love to run the ball and love their defensive players. They are hard-hitting teams and aren’t afraid to show it. They both also have power running backs that they love the hand the ball off to so they can wear down a defense. Not only is there Wilson and Newton to watch but there is Thomas Rawls, Fred Jackson, and maybe Marshawn Lynch for the Seahawks. For the Panthers, you have Jonathan Stewart and Greg Olsen.
Dual threat quarterbacks will be featured since it is Cam vs. Russell. I, personally, love watching dual threat quarterbacks. I grew up watching Steve Young and Michael Vick. As a Chiefs fan I love it when Alex Smith takes off running and he gets the first down on his feet. There is something extra satisfying by watching a quarterback use his feet as well as his arm. We are done watching two of the better stand back and pass quarterbacks with Peyton vs. Brady all but over so might as well go completely different and watch the dual threat styles of Cam and Russ.
If you liked the number one pick versus the number 199 story line behind Peyton and Tom, the one for Cam and Russell is very similar. Newton was the first pick in the 2011 draft and won the Heisman Trophy while leading Auburn to a national championship. Russell Wilson was drafted in the third round of the 2012 draft. He was drafted after Brandon Weeden, Ryan Tannehill and RG3 to name a couple of quarterbacks. Trent Richardson was drafted two rounds before him. The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted a punter before Russell Wilson, a freaking punter. I know every draft you can nitpick when someone was drafted and who should have been drafted before them but this draft had a few misses before Wilson was even picked. He has a chip on his shoulder for being drafted in the third round.
These are just a handful of reasons in a long list of them why you should tune in the next time these two heavyweights face off in a game. They are the next two upcoming quarterbacks who should both be in the NFL for the next ten years or so to say the least. I foresee this being the new rivalry to keep an eye on. So if you are wondering what game you should watch if your team is not playing at that time period or it’s their bye week tune in and watch, trust me when I tell you it will be worth it.
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