Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium will be a matchup of the ages. This will be remembered as the old style offense against the new age rush. Both defenses are strong and this game could end up being very competitive despite many thinking it will be a blowout.
The elevated play of the Panthers has taken them from Super Bowl contender to current Super Bowl favourite. In perhaps their best performance of the season, Carolina’s dominance in the NFC Championship game solidified them as the team to beat. The Denver Broncos had to grind out a win against the New England Patriots to become the AFC Champions at home in Denver.
Carolina Panthers– The scariest team this year
While Carolina has been the scariest team this year by almost going undefeated, Denver has the edge in experience. The Panthers have only been in the Super Bowl once in 2003, where they lost to the Patriots. The Broncos, on the other hand, were last seen in 2014, but they also lost to the Seahawks.
Carolina (17-1) ran away with a 49-15 victory over the Arizona Cardinals for the NFC title. For the Panthers, there's no reason to change up the game plan. If it isn't broken, don't fix it. The Panthers have been virtually perfect this season. Cam Newton could very well win the MVP award this season while tight end Greg Olsen had another phenomenal year with a career high 1,104 receiving yards. Newton and Olsen have built a terrific chemistry.
Denver Broncos – The best defense we have seen in the past decade
Denver is the number one seed in the AFC. This dominant defense has forced Peyton Manning to take a backseat in the process to reach the ultimate showdown. Manning’s arm looked better than it has been all year, and even more surprising, He also showed off a little mobility as he escaped the pocket in moments of trouble. Not only does a healthy Manning make a dangerous team even more so, but performances like these only serve to remind us of the quarterback Manning was not so long ago.
The Denver defense troubled Tom Brady because they were able to get pressure on him. Pressure on the quarterback can disrupt even the best offense. So, will Cam Newton have enough time to throw the ball? With Panthers Pro Bowl offensive linemen: Ryan Kalil and Trai Turner guarding Cam, he will have enough time to find receivers . However, that may not be good enough. But this is Super Bowl, it will ultimately come down to Cam buying himself extra time to throw the ball.
What can we exect from the game?
Although Denver has the best ranked defense in the league, the Panthers are almost as good as the Broncos. Carolina’s defensive unit is playing better than ever and it has depth. Luke Kuechly and Josh Norman have come into their own, and their coverage skills will give Denver’s offense nightmares.
Panther’s offense is spectacular, anchored by a tough running game, and with the threat of multiple option plays. Cam Newton, a dual threat to both pass from the pocket and run if he sees the opportunity. It is daunting to see the lack of quality receivers in a championship caliber Pathers team.
It is widely believed that this game will be the last one of Manning’s career. He will be the oldest quarterback to start a Super Bowl. And if Carolina wins, Newton would become the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 30 touchdowns, rush for 10 touchdowns and hold up the Vince Lombardi trophy at a victory ceremony in the same season.
The game will kick off from Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, February 7th at 6:30 p.m. ET.
