Carolina Panthers

3 players who filled up the box score in the championship round

Published Jan. 24, 2016 10:00 p.m. ET

foxsports

The conference championship round of the NFL playoffs had plenty of heart-stopping moments, and it's time to salute the statistical standouts who made them happen. Featured this week are an impactful pass-rusher, a monster of a tight end and a quarterback who can do it all.

Von Miller, outside linebacker, Denver Broncos

A stifling defensive effort helped the Denver Broncos beat the New England Patriots, 20-18, in the AFC Championship game. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady couldn’t get into a rhythm, as Denver’s suffocating pass rush heaped pressure on him throughout the game. Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller led the charge with 2.5 of the team’s four sacks. His biggest play came while dropping into coverage, though, when he intercepted a pass that set up a touchdown three plays later. Miller finished the game with five tackles (four solo, two for losses).

Rob Gronkowski, tight end, New England Patriots

New England’s did not go down easily, despite Denver’s dominant defensive efforts. That’s because Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was nearly unstoppable. He caught eight of his 15 targets for 144 yards, including a six-yard touchdown that would have tied the game in the final seconds if not for a failed two-point conversion attempt. With no running game to back up Brady’s passing attack, Gronkowski was the only player who kept the Patriots in this contest.

Cam Newton, quarterback, Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers stomped the Arizona Cardinals, 49-15, in the AFC Championship. Per usual, Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was a statistical machine. His passing numbers were strong on their own -- a 67.9 completion percentage, 335 yards and two touchdowns -- but he was also lethal with his legs, rushing 10 times for 47 yards and two touchdowns. These numbers have become the norm for Newton, and that’s why he’s the league’s leading MVP candidate.