Denver Broncos vs. Carolina Panthers: Ten X-Factors in Super Bowl 50
Carolina Panthers
Continuing the ‘offensive barrage in the first half’ trend
The Panthers have absolutely pounced all over their prey (see what I did there?) in first halves all season long. The team’s point differential in the two halves is staggering: +162 in the first; +61 in the second, per USA Today. In the playoffs versus the Seattle Seahawks and the Arizona Cardinals, the Panthers built leads of 31 and 17 points, respectively, heading into halftime.
Carolina has admittedly been prone to major offensive inconsistencies in the final 30 minutes of play, so it’s important that the team continue their first half success against the Broncos.
Cam Newton and Jonathan Stewart’s running ability
The Panthers entered the 2015 season with big questions surrounding their offense, particularly their ability to establish a rushing attack. Not only did they establish a ground game, but Carolina ended the regular season with the second most rushing yards in the league (2,282 yards). Their success on the ground has continued into the playoffs, averaging 148 yards per contest.
Their offense is about to face a defense the likes they have never faced before, though. The Broncos finished third in total rushing yards allowed (1,337) and first in yards allowed per rush attempt (3.3). Carolina’s offensive line will need to create space for Cam Newton and bruising back Jonathan Stewart to run through, or they’ll be playing into the hands of the Denver defense.
The Panthers problematic secondary
Carolina is home to the second-best defense in the NFL behind that team in the Mile High City. On all three levels, the Panthers have been fantastic. Although, if there is one weakness to their unit, it’s the secondary. After cornerback-turned breakout star Josh Norman, the Panthers secondary enters the Super Bowl moderately vulnerable.
Their safeties have been liabilities in coverage at times and injuries are starting to take their toll on Carolina’s cornerbacks. With former-retiree Cortland Finnegan and journeyman Robert McClain filling in for the injured Charles Tillman (torn anterior cruciate ligament) and Bené Benwikere (fractured leg), the Panthers are playing with fire in terms of their trust in two players that were signed off the street.
Greg Olsen and Panthers receivers vs. Broncos secondary
Carolina’s receivers have struck fear into opposing defense’s all season long, and for good reason. Ted Ginn Jr. and Corey “Philly” Brown have formed a dangerous duo, combining for 75 receptions, 1,186 yards and 14 touchdowns. Like they have to so many other teams, Ginn and Brown will attempt to take the top off of Denver’s defense, whom is susceptible to speedy receivers and the deep ball.
The key for the Broncos pass-defense could be how well they keep Greg Olsen under wraps. The veteran tight end is having a Gronkish’ type of season and has been nearly unstoppable to the tune of 1,104 receiving yards and 77 receptions, averaging about 14 yards a catch. The team has fared well against opposing tight ends and are fully equipped to slow Olsen, but that’s easier said than done.
Can Cam Newton and the Panthers offensive line handle the heat?
Super Bowl 50 will likely come down to how much pressure the Broncos can put on Cam Newton. Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware and Co. hounded Tom Brady in the AFC Championship Game, recording four sacks on a whopping 20 hits.
Denver’s defense and their league leading 52 sacks will have to apply somewhat similar pressure in order to limit Newton and the highest scoring offense in the NFL. The Panther’s O-line has allowed their superstar quarterback to be hit just 61 times this season, which was third fewest in the league.
Next: Denver Broncos X-Factors