NFL: SB50 At First Glance
- Chas Post
- Feb 1, 2016
- 4 min read
The NFL Super Bowl is the center of the sports world. Anyone that is not there in person, is at home watching on a TV or at a viewing party. No matter where each person is, the whole world is definitely watching. We watch to see the stars shine and by the end of the night, to see a champion crowned. However, there is something that feels even more special about this one - Super Bowl 50. The big anniversary has something in store for us. Perhaps Peyton Manning winning his second ring and riding off into the sunset or Cam Newton cementing his place on top of the league? No matter what the outcome is, as usual it will be quite entertaining.
Carolina Panthers (15-1, 2-0) vs Denver Broncos (12-4, 2-0)
Date: Sunday, February 7th, 2016.
Favorite: Carolina Panthers (-5.5)
Station: CBS (Jim Nantz and Phil Simms)
Statistical Comparison:
Points Per Game: Carolina (31.2) Denver (22.2)
Points Allowed Per Game: Carolina (19.2) Denver (18.5)
Passing Yards Per Game: Carolina (242.1) Denver (263.5)
Rushing Yards Per Game: Carolina (142.6) Denver (107.4)
Total Yards Per Game: Carolina (384.7) Denver (370.9)
The old saying "Defense wins championships" is (mostly) true, but I'm sure whoever said that never had to try and contain Cam Newton. The 6'5, 245 pound quarterback is going to be the league MVP, which will add to his crowded trophy collection. He is arguably the most dominant athlete in all of sports right now. His huge frame is unlike any other signal caller, while his speed and throwing ability overwhelm his opponents from the opening kickoff. Denver has a great defense but the Carolina offense is absolutely rolling right now, and I am not sure if anyone can halt the freight train.
Quarterback Matchup: Old vs New (Peyton Manning vs Cam Newton)
If we are looking at this from a career standpoint then the choice is obvious. Peyton Manning is one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, but he may not have any of that magic left in him. However, the other sideline is just getting started. Cam Newton passed for 3,837 yards on 296 completions, with a completion percentage of 59.7%. He comes in with a 3.5:1 touchdown to interception ratio. Even though Peyton played in eight less games due to injury, his numbers would not compete with those of Cam's anyway. Manning passed for 2,249 yards, on 59.8%, with nine touchdowns to an uncharacteristic 17 picks. The last two numbers are the most important. Peyton is much more likely to be picked off, especially if Carolina forces him to throw over the top. The advantage here goes by Cam Newton, who is running away from most of the league.
Both teams have been extraordinary in this category. Denver is #4 in points allowed per game at 18.5, while Carolina is not too far behind at 19.2 a game. The Broncos give up the least amount of yards (total and on average), including allowing less than 200 yards passing per contest. It is going to be difficult for Newton to hit his receivers like Ted Ginn Jr., Devin Funchess, and Corey Brown, but the Panther receiving corps may be the key to the game. Guys like T.J. Ward and Darian Stewart will be assigned the likes of Greg Olsen, who is one of the best tight ends in the game and Newton's favorite target. With the Denver defense locked in on the experienced vet, the ball may be swung to the outside to try and get guys like Ginn and Brown the ball on the fly. Von Miller is another Broncos player that can not be talked about more. His value to the defense is incredible. He was able to get to and hit Tom Brady what seemed like every other play. He is one of the most dominant forces in the NFL right now and he is getting by every weekend. There is not question that he will be ready to go vs Newton and the Panthers. Carolina on the other side also has a pair of strong defenders. Luke Kuechly and Josh Norman have had break out years and will be looking to continue that in the biggest game of their young careers. Denver has the slight advantage because of how they shut down Tom Brady in the AFC Championship Game, but they are facing a different monster in the Panthers offense.
Who takes home The Lombardi Trophy?
The Carolina Panthers. Cam Newton is the best player in the NFL right now and he will continue to lead his team on a magical ride. They have only lost one game, after starting 14-0. They have been the best team in the league for the majority of the season, and that momentum will continue right through Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. In the two playoff games, they have outscored their opponents 80-39. There is no way Peyton and Denver will be able to keep up with the scoring of Carolina. I expect Newton's running to be key. If the Broncos defense is locked in down the field, then he can tuck and run with the best of them. It is hard to stop such a dynamic player. Someday a team will slow him down and beat them, but that day is not going to be February 7th.
Prediction: Carolina 30, Denver 19.
Photo Credit: MMQB.SI.com.
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