Super Bowl 50 is right around the corner. On Sunday, February 7, the Denver Broncos will attempt to overthrow the Carolina Panthers and their near perfect season. This particular matchup will showcase a future Hall of Famer take on a flamboyant young gun, resulting in the end or beginning of an era. It all comes down to Sunday night, where Peyton Manning and the Broncos will go head to head against Cam Newton and the Panthers in a battle for the Lombardi Trophy.
Super Bowl 50 Preview: Broncos vs. Panthers
Carolina Panthers
Let’s start with the Carolina Panthers, the team that emerged as a top contender for the Lombardi Trophy when they completed the season with a 15-1 record, going 8-0 at home. Cam Newton has been unstoppable as of late, and is predicted to make mincemeat of Peyton Manning and the Broncos. With Luke Kuechly holding the line on defense and Josh Norman as cornerback, the Panthers have a roster that is itching for a Super Bowl title. The most noteworthy part of the Panthers playoff run comes from their quarterback. Cam Newton shared some inspiring words with reporters, sharing an emotional story of how his “father told me [Newton], just be good at something. He said, if you’re great at something, you’ll always be compensated for it. Whether you’re the best firefighter, the best police officer, the best artist, the best rapper, the best preacher, football player, basketball player, your skill will get you compensated for what you want in this life. I’m happy I had the influence of the people like my father in my life, and it has carried me to the point I am right now.” Due to the fact that Newton is such a young player, his journey to the top is seen as an inspiration for young football players around the world. Say what you want about the Panthers quarterback, but his will to succeed should be seen as remarkable and all the more motivational.
Players to watch out for: Carolina
- Cam Newton (Quarterback)
- Josh Norman (Cornerback)
- Luke Kuechly (Linebacker)
- Greg Olsen (Tight end)
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos were the underdogs against the Patriots, and will be seen as such on Super Bowl Sunday. Fortunately, Manning and the Broncos have shown the football world that their success was the product of hard work, not luck. Defeating Tom Brady and the Patriots was a challenge in and of itself, so Denver will have to start strong if they intend on keeping pace with their favored counterparts come Sunday. Broncos quarter back Peyton Manning addressed the media this week, and claimed that Denver’s “defense has gotten us to this point,” Manning said. “Let’s make that very clear.” When his team is ranked first in the league in total defense, sacks, and pass defense, it’s no wonder why Manning has put so much faith in his defensive line.
Players to watch out for: Denver
- Peyton Manning (Quarterback)
- Brock Osweiler (Quarterback)
- Demaryius Thomas (Wide receiver)
- Ronnie Hillman (Running back)
When it comes down to it, Super Bowl 50 will turn out to be a game of the century, posing a classic duel between the top offensive and defensive teams. The story lines that can be connected with this game are endless, which will make the game that much more exciting to watch. Currently, the Panthers sit as the favorites to win Super Bowl 50, but if there’s one thing football fans should know by now, it’s that you never know which team will come out on top until the the final whistle sounds.
