Quarterback Cam Newton kept his postgame comments short Sunday, with the disappointment from the Carolina Panthers' 24-10 loss to the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl still fresh (reporters' questions italicized when they could be heard).
What's your message to Panthers fans?
"We'll be back."
[Carolina coach] Ron [Rivera] said Denver two years ago had a tough time and they bounced back. Do you take that to heart?
"No."
Can you put a finger on why Carolina didn't play the way it normally plays?
"Got outplayed."
Is there a reason why?
"Got outplayed, bro."
Was it pretty much what you had seen on film from Denver? Anything different they put in for this game?
"Nothing different."
Do we sometimes forget that defenses can still take apart the offenses in this game?
"No."
What did Ron Rivera say after the game?
"He told us a lot of things."
Anything in particular that was memorable?
"Nope."
Obviously you're disappointed. On the biggest stage it's difficult, I know.
[nods head]
Did you see anything that you didn't expect tonight?
"They just played better than us. I don't know what you want me to say. They made more plays than us, and that's what it comes down to. We had our opportunities. It wasn't nothing special that they did. We dropped balls, we turned the ball over, gave up sacks, threw errant passes. That's it. They scored more points than us."
Can you put into words the disappointment you feel right now?
"We lost."
Did Denver change anything defensively to take away your running lanes?
"No."
I know you're disappointed not just for yourself, but for your teammates. It's got to be real tough.
[shakes head] "I'm done, man."
