by Chris Asbrock
After almost two weeks of preparation, the stage is set for Super Bowl 50 between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers. Throughout this season and certainly late on, it was conceivable these two teams would meet in Levi Stadium. The Panthers were one of the most dominating teams this year, finishing with a 15-1 record in the regular season. Once the playoffs came, the top-seeded Panthers rolled through the Seattle Seahawks and the Arizona Cardinals.
On the other side, the Broncos battled their way through many issues this season at the quarterback position. Peyton Manning is looking to win his second Super Bowl but has certainly faced an uphill battle all year. He suffered a foot injury midway through the season. He lost his starting job due to that injury to Brock Osweiler. Peyton was thrust into action during the last game of the season and the rest is history.
Let’s now take a look at the matchups for tonight’s Super Bowl 50 game.
The Denver Broncos are captained by the greatest regular season quarterback in NFL history. Nobody has done more in the regular season than Peyton Manning. However, this offence is much different than the one that was in the Super Bowl just two years ago. Manning’s game is certainly not what it was in the past and it is key to get a running game going to help ease the burden on Manning. This postseason, Manning is 38-69 for 398 yards and only two touchdowns. It is crucial for C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman to establish themselves in this game. Anderson is third in the NFL this postseason with 144 yards rushing. He does have one rushing touchdown.
The Panthers certainly have the advantage offensively as they have the top rusher in the playoffs and the most polarizing player in the league. Cam Newton is the NFL MVP and has had a great postseason so far, throwing for 496 years with three touchdowns and an interception. Newton has also rushed for 50 yards and two touchdowns this postseason. Jonathan Stewart has been a dominant force so far as he is leading the postseason with 189 yards rushing. He has also added two touchdowns, making the Carolina rushing attach the focal point of this game. It will be key for Carolina to get Stewart and Newton going early to open the play-action passing game for Newton. If the Panthers get Stewart going, it could be a very long night for the Broncos.
Defense
This is a great matchup featuring two great defensive units. The Broncos feature the top-ranked defensive unit in the NFL. The Broncos defense is loaded with talent and has two of the most fearsome pass rushers in Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware. Complimenting those two are Derek Wolfe, Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. The Broncos defense is ferocious and Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips has done a great job all season of getting pressure on the quarterback without sending extra defenders. Miller was an absolute terror against New England and the Broncos punished Tom Brady. Expect them to pressure Cam but the key is to not allow him to run.
Advantage: Broncos
Special Teams
Special teams is one of the most important pieces of the game and the Broncos have one of the best kicker/punter combos. If this game comes down to a long field goal, look for Brandon McManus to come through for the Broncos.
Advantage: Broncos
Coaching
Both coaches have played in a Super Bowl. This will depend on which coach can keep his teams nerves at a minimum. I give the slight edge to the Panthers as they have the Coach of the Year.
Advantage: Panthers
Prediction: Panthers 23-13
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