We have finally reached Super Bowl weekend! The Broncos and the Panthers have turned their playoff #1-seeds into trips to Santa Clara and a chance to call themselves champions. It is almost time to stop the talking and let these two teams duke it out on the grandest stage of them all. What are the played-out storylines that we've been discussing for two weeks? What are the expectations for both teams? How will Coldplay do? Who will win it all?
The biggest storyline in this entire game is Peyton Manning. It is not the phony criticism of Cam Newton's play or celebrations, though the pants he wore on the plane can be criticized all they want. Peyton's legacy, as I have said before, is unfairly that of one who cannot win the big game even though he has a ring. He may not be the winner that Tom Brady has been, but this is his 4th trip to the Super Bowl. If he wins this one, he will be 2-2. Not many QBs can say they have multiple rings, much less multiple Super Bowl trips. This may be Peyton's last ride, unless he decides to play next year for the LA Rams (hey, if they pay enough, why not?). In an ideal world, Peyton would lead the Broncos down the field for one final drive to win the game, take the title, change his legacy, and retire on top. It is the best story for anyone that has watched his career and appreciates that he is one of the 5 best QBs to ever play the game. Plus, he'd tie Eli in number of Super Bowls won. It would be wonderful.
There's just one little problem, and it hurts me to say it.
I don't think it will happen.
I think the Panthers are going to win this game, and cover the 6-point spread pretty easily.
The Broncos have a stellar defense that is perfect for stopping a guy like Tom Brady: they rush the QB extremely well, and can cover receivers. However, Cam Newton is not a prototypical pocket QB. He has improved his pocket game a ton, for sure. That's why he is the MVP. But he has that mobility and size that makes him almost unstoppable. If the Broncos use their base-4 line and only rush with that, Cam will have lanes to run. If the Broncos bring extra pressure through blitzes, it will leave gaps open in their coverage. Wade Phillips will have to call the game of his life in order to stop Cam and the roll he is on.
On top of Cam, there is that defense. Denver's D is the best in football, for sure. But Carolina's is #2, and they may be more opportunistic when it comes to big plays and turnovers. Thomas Davis says he is going to play, and just his presence will help that unit stay hyped all game. That front 7 is so insanely good that they could have Peyton on the ground all game. If the Denver O-line doesn't block for their future Hall of Fame QB, then we may have a repeat of the Denver/Seattle Super Bowl.
Am I saying it is impossible for the Broncos to win? No. I watched that Panthers/Falcons game, the only one Carolina lost, and saw Cam trying to do way to much. He threw interceptions, he regressed to a run-first player, and his offensive weapons didn't make the plays when they needed to. That could happen in this game. I just don't expect it to happen. Carolina has been on such a role, hitting their stride at the perfect time, that I think they will dominate this game from the kickoff.
I'll take the Carolina Panthers becoming Super Bowl 50 Champions, 24-13.
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