State your case: Who will win Super Bowl 50?
Denver Broncos
I think the Denver Broncos will win the Super Bowl on Sunday and it’s all because of their Super Bowl loss two years ago.
In direct response to that loss, the Broncos have built the most fearsome defense in the NFL. With Von Miller on one side and DeMarcus Ware on the other, Denver can get after the quarterback like few teams in the NFL, just ask Tom Brady.
Offensively, the Broncos seem more stable than they did earlier in the season. After leading the league in interceptions prior to his injury, Peyton Manning hasn’t thrown a single one in his three games back in the starting lineup. With a defense as good as Denver’s has been, the offense doesn’t have to carry the load. Imagine if Manning had had a defense like this in Indianapolis.
Cam Newton’s size and speed is a unique dilemma for opponents, but if there’s any defensive unit with the athleticism to handle Newton it’s Denver. Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers had a surprisingly prolific offense this season, putting up over 500 points, and have answered every challenge so far.
But of the 17 teams in NFL history to score 500 points, only four have won it all — less than a quarter. Simply put, defense wins championships.
— thomas.sorenson@aggiemail.usu.edu
Twitter: @tomcat340
Carolina Panthers
Throw out the season’s averages and advanced metrics. For one game — particularly this game — those numbers just don’t matter much.
This Super Bowl goes to whichever team can make those key game-changing plays, and that edge goes to Carolina.
Though Denver’s defensive pressure will undoubtedly stall Carolina at times, the Panthers simply boast a more complete team. The versatility of tight end Greg Olson and fullback Mike Tolbert will keep drives alive for Carolina and put pressure on the Broncos early in the game. Cam Newton will surely test Denver’s suspect safeties with a few deep bombs to the team’s most underrated playmaker Ted Ginn Jr. assuming he gets the protection up front to do so.
The Panthers offense should put up at least three touchdowns on Sunday, and the Broncos will have a tough time keeping up with star wideout Demaryius Thomas likely neutralized most of the game. Carolina’s front seven doesn’t allow much on the ground, meaning Emmanuel Sanders needs the game of his life from the slot in order to keep the chains moving. Peyton Manning will play decently, but is a lock for at least one untimely interception.
In a game where both defenses threaten to cancel each other out, the Panthers’ limitless options on the offensive side of the ball will outpace Denver’s aged gunslinger in a 27-20 victory.
— logantjones@aggiemail.usu.edu
Twitter: @logantj