On Feb. 7 at 4:30 p.m. MT in Santa Clara California, the AFC champion Denver Broncos will square off with the NFC champion Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50.
The Broncos limped into the Super Bowl after advancing past the New England Patriots on a denied two-point conversion, while the Panthers arrived by crushing the Arizona Cardinals, 49-15. They’re both two old-school, defense-first teams who can both run and pass on offense. The Panthers opened as 4.5 point favorites, but that number has recently spiked to 6.
The game plan for the Broncos likely stays very similar, as they try to play smart and tenacious football. The team recorded four sacks against the Patriots, but were aided by a one-dimensional New England offense which threw the ball 60 times and ran only 17.
The Panthers field a much better offensive line and a more balanced attack. Charismatic quarterback Cam Newton is an incredibly unique, generational talent with a cannon arm, speedy feet, large frame and quick mind. When Broncos players blitz this week, they will have to be aware of staying in their lanes and containing Newton, instead of simply rushing the quarterback.
If any defense can contain the Panthers’ offense, it’s Denver’s. The unit ranked first in yards allowed per game (283.1), first in pass yards (199.6), third in rush yards (83.6) and fourth in points (18.5), according to ESPN.com.
Another key for the Broncos is to avoid getting down early against a fast-starting team.
Against Arizona, the Panthers led 24-7 at half. In the playoff round before that, Carolina led Seattle 31-0 at halftime. Denver’s offense is not made to sling the ball around anymore. It will be critical to keep the game close during the first half so they have a fighting chance in the second.
Manning has controlled his interception count recently, but turnovers could easily determine this game. He will have to continue his balanced, smart play.
Carolina forced a whopping seven Arizona turnovers, including four interceptions.
Their ball-hawking secondary is led by pro-bowler and notorious trash-talker Josh Norman, but their depth has come through when needed. Opposite him is cornerback Robert McClain, a guy who is beatable, but rarely gives up longplays. Veteran Cortland Finnegan mans the slot corner position and safeties Kurt Coleman and Roman Harper set a nasty tone.
The offensive line was a weak spot for Denver in 2015, but they have played more cohesively as of late. They will need to bring their A-game against Kawann Short, a budding defensive tackle for Carolina who posted 11 sacks during the regular season. He’s getting close to becoming the NFC’s version of J.J. Watt—watch out for number 99 next Sunday in the trenches. He will get help from fellow defensive linemen Star Lotulelei, Jared Allen and Kony Ealy.
Luke Kuechly has been a force this postseason, posting two interceptions returned for touchdowns in two games. The best middle linebacker in the game is joined by another great backer in Thomas Davis Sr., a vocal veteran who broke his forearm against Arizona but plans to play come Super Bowl 50 Sunday.
There are many fun facts on both sides of the ball. Manning is trying to become the oldest quarterback to win a Super Bowl, while Newton is trying to become the first to win a National Championship, Heisman Trophy and Super Bowl. Ten of the last 11 Super Bowls have been won by the team wearing white jerseys— a distinction the Broncos chose. They’re 0-4 with their orange jerseys in Super Bowls. Neither team will start an offensive-lineman selected in the first round. The Broncos are 5-0 when officiated by referee Clete Blakeman, Super Bowl 50’s head ref.
Carolina is the favorite because their dynamic offense and dominant defense combine to form a nearly unstoppable team. But Atlanta, the only blemish on the Panthers’ 18-game schedule, showed that Newton could be stifled in a 20-13 win. The Panthers have only played seven games decided by seven points or less, while Denver has played in fourteen, going 11-3 in those games.
If the Broncos can keep the game close, the more seasoned and experienced team who’s been playing close games all season might emerge victorious.
