Not a super day for quarterbacks

It was a 'super' ending for Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos, but it was less than a super day in general for quarterback play. Both defenses dominated as the Broncos smothered the Panthers for a 24-10 win.

Broncos linebacker Vonn Miller won the MVP, one he easily could have shared with the rest of his defensive teammates and coordinator Wade Phillips, who devised a great game plan to shut down Cam Newton and the Panthers. They scored one touchdown on defense and set up another with a fumble recover at the Panthers' 5-yard line.

Manning was pedestrian, ending up 13 for 23 for 142 yards. The Broncos' anemic offense put up one of the feeblest efforts in Super Bowl history. No one will remember that, however. They will remember that the Broncos won. And that it marked a likely glorious ending to Manning's illustrious career, allowing him to match little brother Eli's two Super Bowl crowns.

I could have done without his post-game plugs for a sponsor, Budweiser beer.

As for Newton, it will provide a tough lesson, maybe as much for what happened after the game as his struggles during it.

Newton was battered by Phillips' defensive game plan. He was under constant pressure.

Newton had won me over this week. I wondered just how good he and the Panthers really were. That was especially true after I saw the Eagles blow an early-season game they should have won. But every week they posted another win, and Newton seemed transformed by an accident last season during which he likely saw his life pass before his eyes.

Newton came under fire for a lot of his antics while the Panthers were rolling to a 17-1 record. Let's just say he enjoys himself on the field. Whether or not his opponents always like his antics is likely another matter.

But if Newton is going to be a star when his team is winning, he shouldn't turn a cold shoulder when that's not the case.

His behavior and surly act after the Panthers' loss was disgraceful.

But none of this was the worst quarterback news I heard yesterday. I almost ran off the road when I heard a radio report indicating that ESPN was reporting the Eagles did not plan to use the franchise tag on quarterback Sam Bradford, and that they actually were interested in reacquiring Nick Foles.

Thankfully, this morning lots of people are questioning that report.

I hope so.

For some reason, not many people have joined me on the Bradford bandwagon. Maybe it's because of the injuries. He did moss almost two full seasons with ACL injuries.

But he did not have any issues with his knees this season. He did miss a couple of game with a concussion and shoulder problem. He had more problems early with Chip Kelly's offense.

But at the end of the season he was playing as well as an quarterback in the league.

This should be a no-brainer. Bradford should be the Eagles QB next year. He's their best shot at making a playoff run. If they let him walk, it's a sign that they are going back to a major rebuilding plan. That means you have forget about the playoffs.

I'll admit I was never a Nick Foles guy. I just don't think he's that good.

Sam Bradford was the No. 1 pick in the draft. No a No. 1 pick. THE No. 1 pick.

I don't think anyone is going to say that about Nick Foles.