Carolina Panthers: Super Bowl 50 Game Preview
By Erik Lambert
For the first time since 2003, the Carolina Panthers are back in the Super Bowl. They came so close back then, losing on a field goal to end the game 32-29. Hopes are high it won’t be like that again. Primarily because this 2015 team is infinitely better at almost every position than that team was, and with respect to the Denver Broncos, they are not the dynasty-era New England Patriots.
Carolina has reason to feel cool and confident. They finished the season 15-1, dominated six of the eight quarters of football they played en route to the Super Bowl, have the hottest quarterback in the league in Cam Newton and a roster that is largely healthy at all the key positions. So what needs to happen for this franchise to bring home its first Lombardi trophy?
X-Factors
Offense – Ted Ginn Jr.
The Broncos defense is the best in the league because they are able to match up with any opponent they face. They know full well the cream of the Panthers offense is centered on Pro Bowl running back Jonathan Stewart and Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen. So their game plan will be centered around stopping them.
That means Newton will need some big plays out of his wide receivers, and Ted Ginn Jr. has had the hot hand. Whether he can get the best of Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. like he did Patrick Peterson is the question.
Defense – Kurt Coleman
Everybody loves to say that Peyton Manning has no arm strength anymore. Though it’s true he can deliver it with the same zip he used to, the fact is it’s not smart to just assume he can’t go deep. When he has a clean pocket and time to throw, there’s still enough juice in his 39-year old body to get it down field. Safety Kurt Coleman must be ready for that eventuality because the Broncos are certain to test him, especially off play action.
Critical Matchup
T.J. Ward vs. Greg Olsen
Newton is the maestro on offense for the Panthers but Greg Olsen is the catalyst. He has made big catch after big catch all year. When he gets going, the entire offense gets more dangerous. This is why Denver safety T.J. Ward is so key. He’s been the primary guy assigned on defense to cover the opposing tight end because he has enough speed to stick with them in coverage but also the size and physicality to match as well. Their showdown will have a profound impact on the outcome.
Outcome
Having the best defense in football has led to several teams winning a Super Bowl in the past. The problem for Denver is the Panthers have a defense that is almost as good, and they hold a much more decisive advantage when comparing the offenses. Aside from wide receiver, Carolina is superior in talent everywhere including quarterback. That edge will prove the difference in this game.
Score: Panthers win 27-16