Super Bowl 50

The matchup is set for the highly anticipated Superbowl 50. Patriot fans continue to make excuses, while Cardinal fans remain shell-shocked. Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers prepare to meet in what will no doubt be a game for the history books. The milestone number 50 prompted the removal of the usual Roman numerals for the occasion, a long-standing NFL tradition. Ticket prices are set to rise to an all-time high. CBS, which owns the right to the game has set the record for $5,000,000 a pop for a 30-second spot. Coldplay and Bruno Mars will headline the halftime show to the delight of the thousands of non-football fans that will be tuning in just for halftime and the commercials.

However, to the rest of us tuning in that are actually football fans, we will be in for a treat. For the first time in Superbowl History, the QB matchup will feature two number one overall draft picks, Manning in the 98 draft, Newton in 2011. A matchup of a 1st ballot hall-of-famer with one of the top QB’s in the league.

The 15-1 Panthers team that has appeared unstoppable will be going against the top-rated defense in the league. Despite that fact, the Panthers are an overwhelming favorite, much in part to the status of Peyton Manning. It is no secret that this is Manning’s swan song, after a slew of injuries combined with the inescapable father time, Manning has shown visible deterioration. After throwing 4 interceptions in a week 10 matchup against the Chiefs, Manning was benched for backup QB Brock Osweiler. Manning did not play again until week 17th. The defense has kept the Broncos on top leading them to finish 12-4 and securing home field advantage.

The Panthers were on their way to an undefeated season when they lost to the Atlanta Falcons in week 17. Nevertheless, that loss did nothing to shake their confidence, evident by the routing of the Seahawks and Cardinals on their way to the big game. The Panthers have fought critics all year doubting their success, much of that success came from the imposing offensive line, the extraordinary athletic specimen at QB, and controversial corner Josh Norman. The Panthers are fast, athletic, physical and confident.

On the other side, the Broncos led by beloved NFL QB Peyton Manning have quite the challenge on their hands. After, defeating the Patriots in a nail biter last Sunday to secure their Superbowl birth, the Broncos ready themselves for their next challenge. Outside linebacker, Von Miller was a beast, sacking Brady 2.5 times subsequently breaking a Bronco’s single game playoff record. Furthermore, the Broncos pass rush was relentless, not allowing Brady much time to throw it down field. Where the Patriots ran with 5 men protection, the Panthers run with seven in the run centered offense, providing a unique challenge to the Broncos. However, if you look at one on one matchups between the Panthers offensive line and the Broncos pass rush, the Broncos have the edge. Some believe that the Panthers will pulvarize the Broncos the way the Seahawks did in Superbowl XLVIII, I envision this monumental game being more of a defensive struggle.

On Any Given Sunday is what they say. The same can be said about SuperBowl 50. Players will have to step up on the big stage. Keys to a Broncos win: protect Peyton, pressure Cam, limit turnovers, execute the run game. Keys to a Panthers win: protect Cam, protect Cam, protect Cam.

 

 

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