Does this surprise anyone?
I knew that Newton was in deep trouble when he was asked if he was doing anything different for the Super Bowl, and he called it "just another game".
It isn't.
It's the World Championship and winners bring their A game.
He brought the same game and he lost. It was as if he was saying that he was bigger than the Super Bowl.
As an aside...
I was watching the pre-game hype on TV, cooking up some wings and just waiting for the game to begin, when something caught my eye.
There were two quick shots of the starting quarterbacks. The difference between the two men was startling.
Cam Newton was laughing with his teammates, full of life, youth and confidence, as well that he should be. He is a very talented young man.
Then they cut to Peyton.
He had his back to the camera. There was someone standing by him, but they weren't talking. Manning was sitting, facing his locker, with his head bowed down in prayer.
I'm not a very religious guy, but I was deeply touched.
Everyone had this one pegged wrong. They all thought that this was an impossible task for Manning and the Broncos to accomplish. The old man leading his team to victory against youth and strength. The past beating the future.
But it seems that Manning knew exactly what it is that makes all things impossible, possible.
I couldn't be more thrilled about this Super Bowl win if it had been my beloved Cowboys walking away with that trophy.