As Super Bowl Sunday looms, the matchup between the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos is talked about more and more. But what’s to make of the NFL’s 50th playing of its annual championship game?
The Panthers (17-1) are in the Super Bowl for the first time since the devastating loss suffered against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVIII. The No. 1 offense in the league will be taking on Peyton Manning and the Broncos (16-4).
The Panthers journey to the Super Bowl this season was capped off by their trouncing of the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship Game, 49-15. The Broncos defense crushed Tom Brady and the Patriots’ offense in the AFC Championship Game 20-18, in which Brady was sacked four times and intercepted twice.
The Panthers, known for their defense, occasionally have their high-powered offense overlooked. MVP candidate Cam Newton looks to lead his team to its first-ever Super Bowl win in franchise history. The offensive attack is also led by wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr., who caught a team-leading ten touchdown receptions this season, and running back Jonathan Stewart, who finished with six rushing touchdowns and just under 1,000 yards rushing on the season. Greg Olsen proved to be a major part of the offense at tight end, catching seven touchdowns for over 1,000 yards.
Thirty-nine-year-old Peyton Manning looks to continue his legacy and win his second Super Bowl in four tries. After throwing four interceptions Nov. 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs, many considered him done. He sat out with a foot injury up until the season finale, a Jan. 3 game against the San Diego Chargers in which he was on the field for nine snaps. Fourth-year player and backup quarterback Brock Osweiler took over the reins for eight games where he led them to a 5-2 record.
Carolina’s lone loss this season came at the hands of the Atlanta Falcons 20-13. Head coach Ron Rivera led the Panthers to wins against the Seattle Seahawks (twice), Green Bay Packers and a blowout of Washington, 44-16. While at times the Panthers looked ready to destroy a number of teams, the defense broke down late in several games, giving up big leads to the Indianapolis Colts, the New York Giants, the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks. The domination of the Arizona Cardinals was a resounding response to those late-game breakdowns, as the Panthers never let their foot off the gas.
The Panthers turnover differential may prove to be crucial in the outcome of this game. Carolina finished first in the NFL this season with a +20 turnover differential, whereas the Broncos finished in a three-way tie for 19th. Manning looked like a turnover machine, finishing with 17 interceptions in just 10 games. He may end up having his hands full when facing a strong Carolina secondary. Cornerback Josh Norman had a huge year and finished with four interceptions while safety Kurt Coleman finished with seven interceptions.
The Broncos finished first in the NFL in total defense. Linebacker Von Miller may prove to be the key player on this Denver defense. He recorded 2.5 sacks and picked off Tom Brady in the AFC Championship game. Cornerback Aqib Talib, safety T.J. Ward and safety Chris Harris Jr. will all play crucial roles in slowing down the Panther offense.
Not enough can be said about the major steps Cam Newton took this past offseason to get his team where they are now. Newton became the first quarterback in NFL history to have 35 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing touchdowns. He finished with an overall rating of 99.4, the highest of his career. He also finished with a career-low 10 interceptions. The dual-threat quarterback out of Auburn University highlighted this season with the many balls he has given to kids on the sideline and of course the famous “dab” he loves to do.
The injury report may also play a key role in deciding the outcome of the game. Panther’s linebacker Thomas Davis broke his arm in the NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, but even that doesn’t seem to hold him back as he says he will be ready Sunday.
Defensive end Jared Allen suffered a broken foot against the Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional Round and missed the NFC Title Game. However, Allen will not be slowed down by a broken bone either, as he expects to be ready for the Super Bowl.
The secondary of the Denver Broncos came out of the AFC Championship game a bit beat up. Ward suffered an ankle injury, while safety Darian Stewart suffered a knee injury. Cornerback Harris has been suffering from an injured left shoulder but will be expected to play.
While the game is expected to be Manning’s last Super Bowl and Newton’s first, nonetheless, it promises to be an action packed competition come Sunday.
