Lost amid the controversy over Cam Newton walking out of his post-Super Bowl press conference was the fact that most Panthers players sat there and answered every question the media asked. One of those players was receiver Devin Funchess, who used the post-game media opportunity to stick up for his quarterback.
Asked if Newton was rattled by the Broncos’ defense, Funchess turned the question around and said the real story of the game was just how well Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller and the rest of the front seven played.
“The front seven that was back there. They’re fast. Cam barely had two seconds to throw the ball, so that’s what I think about that,” Funchess said. “I mean, he wasn’t rattled. He was just under pressure because Miller is back there, DeMarcus Ware is back there. It’s just tough. You have to try to scheme up and try to switch it around, but those guys are good. They won.”
Funchess was as sick about the loss as anyone, and he didn’t exactly seem thrilled at the media obligations that come with the Super Bowl. But he still took the time to credit the Broncos.
“I mean, we have emotions. We aren’t just people out there trying to entertain you guys. Of course it’s hard to deal with. Everybody wants to win. We have to tuck our heads on this one and congratulate Denver for winning the game,” Funchess said.
At a time when many were criticizing Newton for being a sore loser, the 21-year-old Funchess showed a lot of maturity.