**** Official Super Bowl 50 **** Broncos v. Panthers (1 Viewer)

[FUBAR]

Much respect to Carolina. Great year. However, Denver has been there and knows what is in store. Cam and the Panthers WILL face their greatest challenge yet. The D3nver defense is unlike anything they have faced all season. Dont give me the Arizona defense crap.

It's different but not necessarily better than the Seahawks D, whom the panthers beat twice.

Seattles defense this year is not on the same level as Denvers. Period.

Stats disagree, but okay.

When you face St. Louis and San Fran for one fourth of your schedule, it tends to skew those statistics. Ya know?

Is that more or less difficult than facing San Diego and the Raiders? Honest question, as I find it very, very close. I'd say San Diego is easily the worst team out of the four, however.

Oakland was average this year and looked like a team with a future.

San Diego was horrible, but St. Louis scored 40 points less and San Fran's offense is a contender for worst offense ever.

That said, I still don't think the Broncos stop Cam, Stew and Olsen.

The 1976 Buccaneers offense (whose coach, John McKay, famously replied when asked about their execution: "I'm all in favor of it") were shut out 5 times in a 14 game season, averaged fewer than 9 ppg and actually had a game where their QB's combined to complete 3 passes. That's for an entire game, not a half. They matched their completion total in that game with 3 interceptions. And the '76 Bucs might not be the worst offense ever.San Francisco was bad and beat up, but not really close to the worst offense ever. And their offensive output was limited by the fact that they played in a division against three teams with dominant D's (at least while Honey Badger was playing). Arizona's secondary with Matthieu was the best in football, and St. Louis might have the nastiest front seven in football. The NFC West is still a nightmare, but San Francisco has taken a giant step backward. The AFC west is softer on the whole. As is the AFC in general.

FWIW, I'm not saying that the 49ers offense was the lowest scoring offense in the history of the league (given the rules changes that would be truly horrifying) but they should be listed among the worst relative to the rest of the league.

The Bucs were worse but that was 40 years ago, times have changed and that was the first year of the Bucs franchise.

 

[B-Deep]

although people will bash him, even if the Broncos lose this should enhance Peyton's legacy. 2 super bowls with 2 different teams, and 4 super bowls with 4 different coaches.

Imagine if he had a super coach his whole career....

it sure looks like this game is the Panthers to lose, but:

1) i underestimated the broncos def yesterday, maybe everyone is again

2) This is a super bowl, anything can happen

3) I love me some Peyton Manning

 

[NCCommish]

Peyton Manning is a first vote Hall of famer. One of the greatest of all time. A loss won't change that.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

The Denver defense is legit and have been very good all year. But their defense won't be able to keep Peyton from the sack-fumble when his pocket collapses.

I like Manning a lot, but apparently his new shtick is running backwards 7-10 yards before getting sacked.

 

[moleculo]

I just hope all the Denver homers stick around when they lose, unlike the Seahawks homers last season who disappeared after they lost

I was here before you got here, and I'll be here long after you leave. I'm not going anywhere.

 

[Rubi]

Old fashion 80's style NFC beat down.

Panthers-40

Broncos-13

 

[Sebowski]

The Broncos don't have a lot of experience against a read option offense. I think Cam is going to run for over 100 yards himself. That offense thrives against outside rushers. That's mostly what I saw yesterday. Put me in the boat race camp. It would be cool if Peyton can match is lil' bro and go out on a high note though. This is a rare Super Bowl where I'll be happy either way. But I am pulling for Cam first.

 

[Neofight]

Much respect to Carolina. Great year. However, Denver has been there and knows what is in store. Cam and the Panthers WILL face their greatest challenge yet. The D3nver defense is unlike anything they have faced all season. Dont give me the Arizona defense crap.

It's different but not necessarily better than the Seahawks D, whom the panthers beat twice.

Seattles defense this year is not on the same level as Denvers. Period.

Stats disagree, but okay.

When you face St. Louis and San Fran for one fourth of your schedule, it tends to skew those statistics. Ya know?

Is that more or less difficult than facing San Diego and the Raiders? Honest question, as I find it very, very close. I'd say San Diego is easily the worst team out of the four, however.

Oakland was average this year and looked like a team with a future.

San Diego was horrible, but St. Louis scored 40 points less and San Fran's offense is a contender for worst offense ever.

That said, I still don't think the Broncos stop Cam, Stew and Olsen.

The 1976 Buccaneers offense (whose coach, John McKay, famously replied when asked about their execution: "I'm all in favor of it") were shut out 5 times in a 14 game season, averaged fewer than 9 ppg and actually had a game where their QB's combined to complete 3 passes. That's for an entire game, not a half. They matched their completion total in that game with 3 interceptions. And the '76 Bucs might not be the worst offense ever.San Francisco was bad and beat up, but not really close to the worst offense ever. And their offensive output was limited by the fact that they played in a division against three teams with dominant D's (at least while Honey Badger was playing). Arizona's secondary with Matthieu was the best in football, and St. Louis might have the nastiest front seven in football. The NFC West is still a nightmare, but San Francisco has taken a giant step backward. The AFC west is softer on the whole. As is the AFC in general.

FWIW, I'm not saying that the 49ers offense was the lowest scoring offense in the history of the league (given the rules changes that would be truly horrifying) but they should be listed among the worst relative to the rest of the league.

The Bucs were worse but that was 40 years ago, times have changed and that was the first year of the Bucs franchise.

That's a big factor, and much of the point: in the unrestricted free agency era you're not going to see teams outmatched like you did under plan B (or earlier). There is simply more parity in the league now. Just looking at this year, Dallas had a worse Offensive SRS, while the 49ers had the most difficult SOS (by a healthy margin).

 

[IndyHavoc]

Two great defenses, I'm tempted to take the under.

I think we see at least one quarter with no touchdowns.

....

Be careful with this. I'm seeing at least 2 Defensive scores, and 1 easy score off a special teams play. I'd say the over/under is about right

 

[Leroy Hoard]

1 of those 4 teams obviously didn't show up or maybe they just didn't belong. That's what has to be considered in this coming matchup.

 

[NCCommish]

1 of those 4 teams obviously didn't show up or maybe they just didn't belong. That's what has to be considered in this coming matchup.

Or they met a better team. I don't think anyone got to the title game on luck or by accident.

 

[Worm]

Panthers have no idea what they are on for.

No.

 

[thatguy]

It seems that people are projecting a Panthers' victory for all the same reasons most were projecting a Patriots' victory today. Hmmm... I like it.

yup.When you see people saying the Panthers D and Bronco D is a wash, you know its gonna be....fun.

Yep. The Broncos offense will struggle to score, but how are those Panthers WRs ever going to get open against this Bronco defense?

The Broncos defense matches up GREAT against the Pats offense. The Pats were a pass-only offense with a stationary QB taking on a team with a dynamic pass rush and top notch secondary.

This is obvious to anyone in retrospect, but it really was not a popular opinion during the week leading up to the game. All we kept hearing was how Brady and the Pats offense presented a bad matchup for Denver's D because the pass rush would be neutralized by Brady's ability to get rid of the ball in under 2 second, thus allowing him to spread the ball around to his healthy receiving options who were too fast and quick, or too big and strong (Gronk), for Denver's secondary to consistently contain.

Now, all we're hearing about is how the Panthers present a unique challenge that Denver's D will have no answer for. Completely different reasons, but similar dialogue, same story. This defense has All Pro or Pro Bowl caliber players EVERYWHERE, it has elite speed at every position the likes of which we have rarely seen for an NFL defense, and it has Wade Phillips putting those players in all the right positions. Different week, different team, much different challenge, but I think this D will rise to that challenge, just like they have in most every other game this season.

 

[Man In The Box]

Will be rooting for Denver, but I think they're dead meat.

Carolina-34

Denver-9

 

[moleculo]

Here's what gives me hope as a Bronco fan:

This team has been tested and has shown mucho resilience. This team is what kicking and screaming is all about, and the difference between this year and last year clearly highlights why John Fox was shown the door. Anyone expecting a similar performance to what we saw in the 43-8 game, or even the Colts playoff game last year, will be shocked.

This team has come back from 14+ multiple times to win this year:

week 2: down 14-0 to KC, came back to win 31-24.

week 10: down 21-7 in the 4th to the Patriots, won 30-24.

week 15: down 14-0 to the Bengals, won 20-17.

I know the focus is on the anemic offense and QB, but anyone looking at that is being suckered. The engine that makes the Broncos go is the defense, and has been all season.

Week 1: the go-ahead TD was a pick-6. The game was sealed with a Flacco end-zone interception.

week 2: the winning TD was a fumble returned for a TD.

week 3: the game was put out of reach starting with a Stafford interception late in the 4th.

week 5: the game was put away with a Chris Harris pick-6 with 7:05 left in the 4th.

week 6: on OT, the browns has the ball. one run for -3 yards, and then two consecutive sacks, taking them out of FG range.

week 8: Aaron Rodgers was held to 77 yards passing, and 140 total yards.

week 12: it was a muffed punt recovered by the Broncos that sparked the 4th quarter comeback. By the way - in OT, brady threw two incomplete passes and a sack.

week 13: Chargers held to 3 points.

week 16: the game was over when Ware strip-sacked McCarron in OT.

Divisional: it was the Toussaint fumble that gave the Broncos some momentum.

AFCCG: 20 pressures, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, and an intercepted 2 point conversion.

The Broncos have not been winning pretty, but they are winning consistently. It's all about the defense making plays. I've never seen a defense consistently rise to the occasion and make plays like I've seen this one do it.

Think about it - as bad as the offense has been, for this team to have HFA and win the division - that's pretty special. I do think that this is an all-time great defense, but the stats may not show it. They don't show it because the O has put them in some bad spots (led the league in interceptions, for example).

If (and it's a big if) the offense can be moderately competent, the Broncos have, at the very least, a punchers chance vs anyone. That's what we saw yesterday. That O was great in in the first half, mediocre in the second...that's enough to beat anyone.

In a nutshell, Denver can win this game by keeping the score close, not making any major mistakes, and letting the defense do what they do in the end to win the game. That's the formula.

 

[Arodin]

Enough about the game. I want to hear from these nine people who are actually excited about the halftime show!

 

[fred_1_15301]

The only way I see this as a blowout is if Peyton and the Denver offense turns the ball over 3 or more times (which is a definite possibility). If they hold onto the ball, I can't see Carolina blowing them out. Under no circumstance would I expect Denver to win in a blowout.

 

[georg013]

The Denver defense is legit and have been very good all year. But their defense won't be able to keep Peyton from the sack-fumble when his pocket collapses.

I like Manning a lot, but apparently his new shtick is running backwards 7-10 yards before getting sacked.

Lol.

 

[georg013]

No hate for Carolina whatsoever. Glad to see Cam doing his thing. But I really wouldnt be so quick into thinking this is a cake walk for Carolina. They lack the experience of a game of this magnitude. Especially away from Carolina. Cam has played well all season. But what happens when the youngster is surrounded by all of the lights and cameras? Remember, anything is possible. Atlanta beat them. Denver will be ready. You can count on that. Everyone will be amped for Manning's last game. Every last Bronco. No way they roll over. Period.

 

[DallasDMac]

Denver D is good, but I think the biggest factor is a total lack of offense. NE got how many possessions in the second half after quick three and outs? The Denver defense was on the field way to much and NE was marching on them fairly well. Luckily they were able to get to Brady when it mattered, and Brady made some horrible decisions and throws. But giving the Panthers possession after possession isn't going to end well. I really don't see this one being close. Would love to be wrong and see Manning go out on top. But there's no way I'd lay a single dollar on Denver winning this game. I fully expect a double digit win by Carolina.

 

[Yenrub]

No hate for Carolina whatsoever. Glad to see Cam doing his thing. But I really wouldnt be so quick into thinking this is a cake walk for Carolina. They lack the experience of a game of this magnitude. Especially away from Carolina. Cam has played well all season. But what happens when the youngster is surrounded by all of the lights and cameras? Remember, anything is possible. Atlanta beat them. Denver will be ready. You can count on that. Everyone will be amped for Manning's last game. Every last Bronco. No way they roll over. Period.

I don't think the bright lights are going to be too bright for Cam

While the National Championship and Heisman aren't as big as the Super Bowl I don't think the guy is going to be afraid of the bright lights

 

[fred_1_15301]

No hate for Carolina whatsoever. Glad to see Cam doing his thing. But I really wouldnt be so quick into thinking this is a cake walk for Carolina. They lack the experience of a game of this magnitude. Especially away from Carolina. Cam has played well all season. But what happens when the youngster is surrounded by all of the lights and cameras? Remember, anything is possible. Atlanta beat them. Denver will be ready. You can count on that. Everyone will be amped for Manning's last game. Every last Bronco. No way they roll over. Period.

People were saying the same thing a couple years ago before the Seattle/Denver SB

 

[stbugs]

No hate for Carolina whatsoever. Glad to see Cam doing his thing. But I really wouldnt be so quick into thinking this is a cake walk for Carolina. They lack the experience of a game of this magnitude. Especially away from Carolina. Cam has played well all season. But what happens when the youngster is surrounded by all of the lights and cameras? Remember, anything is possible. Atlanta beat them. Denver will be ready. You can count on that. Everyone will be amped for Manning's last game. Every last Bronco. No way they roll over. Period.

I don't think the bright lights are going to be too bright for Cam

While the National Championship and Heisman aren't as big as the Super Bowl I don't think the guy is going to be afraid of the bright lights

I agree. The Atlanta game was easily the worst game they played, but it did refocus them. Sort of like the second half of the Seattle game playing not to lose forced them to refocus to not let it happen against the Cardinals. I would say the Seattle game and Arizona game will have them ready for the Super Bowl. According to all the stats/odds, Carolina had the hardest road to the Super Bowl, so I would say they have some pretty solid experience.

That said, I don't see this as a cake walk. I think Carolina will be able to move the ball like Pittsburgh and NE did. Do they score TDs like they have the last 2 games or FGs? Seattle was the #1 scoring D this year and Arizona was #6. Denver was #3, so we will see what happens.

 

[Jayrok]

No hate for Carolina whatsoever. Glad to see Cam doing his thing. But I really wouldnt be so quick into thinking this is a cake walk for Carolina. They lack the experience of a game of this magnitude. Especially away from Carolina. Cam has played well all season. But what happens when the youngster is surrounded by all of the lights and cameras? Remember, anything is possible. Atlanta beat them. Denver will be ready. You can count on that. Everyone will be amped for Manning's last game. Every last Bronco. No way they roll over. Period.

I think Cam thrives in the spotlight. It's what he wants. Heaven knows he is not shy. He was stellar as the Heisman winner on center stage in the NCAA championship game.

I'm a big Peyton Manning fan and under any other circumstances I would pull for him to win in what is probably his last game. Just not this year. Go Panthers!

 

[solorca]

I'm a Panthers fan and obviously hoping for a win. I do think that Denver presents a challenge that is different from what they have faced in the past, though it's fair to say that Denver has not faced anything close to Carolina yet this year. The Broncos have not played against a single QB that poses a significant threat to run the ball like Cam does. Obviously they will scheme differently, but watching the game, a majority of the pressure that took down Brady would end up in Cam running the ball and picking up significant chunks of yardage. Again, that is largely irrelevant because the Broncos know that and will scheme differently.

I keep hearing the #1 Defense vs. #1 Offense thing being brought up, and while true, Carolina isn't a slouch on defense like a lot of games that previously fit this mold.With all of that said, it's by far the toughest defense that Carolina will play this season. Seattle and Arizona are both top five, but I think Denver is far and away the best in the league.

I never pick Carolina to win a game because I am ridiculously superstitious, but I do think it will be a great matchup that will come down the last drive. The key is going to be the ability of Carolina to control the run game with Cam and Stewart. They have proven they can run against anyone, but will need to keep it going against Denver to win the game.

I will say that I am a little concerned at hearing Carolina almost universally expected to win. Carolina plays with a chip on their shoulder better than any other team I've seen. They find ways to use any sign of disrespect as a challenge. It's going to be hard to find that for the Super Bowl, since nearly everyone is expecting a win.

 

[simey]

No hate for Carolina whatsoever. Glad to see Cam doing his thing. But I really wouldnt be so quick into thinking this is a cake walk for Carolina. They lack the experience of a game of this magnitude. Especially away from Carolina. Cam has played well all season. But what happens when the youngster is surrounded by all of the lights and cameras? Remember, anything is possible. Atlanta beat them. Denver will be ready. You can count on that. Everyone will be amped for Manning's last game. Every last Bronco. No way they roll over. Period.

I think Cam thrives in the spotlight. It's what he wants. Heaven knows he is not shy. He was stellar as the Heisman winner on center stage in the NCAA championship game.

I'm a big Peyton Manning fan and under any other circumstances I would pull for him to win in what is probably his last game. Just not this year. Go Panthers!

I feel the same way regarding Peyton, and Cam absolutely loves the bright lights. Go Panthers!

 

[massraider]

Cam has played well all season. But what happens when the youngster is surrounded by all of the lights and cameras?

 

[solorca]

Cam has played well all season. But what happens when the youngster is surrounded by all of the lights and cameras?

He makes a good point. When has Cam ever been in the spotlight...............

Oh.

 

[pizzatyme]

I find it interesting that some think Denver's Defense cannot adjust their gameplan to what Carolina does. If I'm Denver, I play man-2-man on the WRs, a safety over the top of Olsen, focus on outside containment and less on pass rushing. Use Miller to spy Cam. Cam's not outrunning Miller.

To me, this game is all about gap control and contain. If Cam beats you over the top throwing the ball, then so be it. Eliminate their strength which is running the ball.

 

[jonessed]

The Panthers have a much better offensive line than the Pats. I don't think this one is going to be close.

 

[NCCommish]

I find it interesting that some think Denver's Defense cannot adjust their gameplan to what Carolina does. If I'm Denver, I play man-2-man on the WRs, a safety over the top of Olsen, focus on outside containment and less on pass rushing. Use Miller to spy Cam. Cam's not outrunning Miller.

To me, this game is all about gap control and contain. If Cam beats you over the top throwing the ball, then so be it. Eliminate their strength which is running the ball.

They have run on and beaten loaded boxes many times this season. They have also beaten several of the top ranked defenses this season. I don't think people truly understand the issues Cam causes with his ability to run ans his ability to direct a very complicated running game.

 

[pizzatyme]

I find it interesting that some think Denver's Defense cannot adjust their gameplan to what Carolina does. If I'm Denver, I play man-2-man on the WRs, a safety over the top of Olsen, focus on outside containment and less on pass rushing. Use Miller to spy Cam. Cam's not outrunning Miller.

To me, this game is all about gap control and contain. If Cam beats you over the top throwing the ball, then so be it. Eliminate their strength which is running the ball.

They have run on and beaten loaded boxes many times this season. They have also beaten several of the top ranked defenses this season. I don't think people truly understand the issues Cam causes with his ability to run ans his ability to direct a very complicated running game.

Then I guess we shall see. I think people are underestimating Denver's defense. Not taking anything away from Cam, but they haven't played a defense this good IMHO.

Edit to add that I realize Denver may not have seen a dynamic rushing attack as Carolina's too. Just hoping for a good game.

 

[Yenrub]

I find it interesting that some think Denver's Defense cannot adjust their gameplan to what Carolina does. If I'm Denver, I play man-2-man on the WRs, a safety over the top of Olsen, focus on outside containment and less on pass rushing. Use Miller to spy Cam. Cam's not outrunning Miller.

To me, this game is all about gap control and contain. If Cam beats you over the top throwing the ball, then so be it. Eliminate their strength which is running the ball.

Denver’s defense isn’t the problem. I’m pretty sure they will be able to make things really difficult for the Panther offense.

That being said I think that Carolina’s defense can make things even tougher on the Broncos offense especially if Demaryius Thomas keeps playing like he has recently.

What happened to that guy?

Denver #1 total defense & #4 scoring defense vs. Carolina #11 total offense & #1 scoring offense

Carolina #6 total defense & #6 scoring defense vs. Denver #16 total offense & #19 scoring offense

 

[stbugs]

I find it interesting that some think Denver's Defense cannot adjust their gameplan to what Carolina does. If I'm Denver, I play man-2-man on the WRs, a safety over the top of Olsen, focus on outside containment and less on pass rushing. Use Miller to spy Cam. Cam's not outrunning Miller.

To me, this game is all about gap control and contain. If Cam beats you over the top throwing the ball, then so be it. Eliminate their strength which is running the ball.

They have run on and beaten loaded boxes many times this season. They have also beaten several of the top ranked defenses this season. I don't think people truly understand the issues Cam causes with his ability to run ans his ability to direct a very complicated running game.

Then I guess we shall see. I think people are underestimating Denver's defense. Not taking anything away from Cam, but they haven't played a defense this good IMHO.

Edit to add that I realize Denver may not have seen a dynamic rushing attack as Carolina's too. Just hoping for a good game.

I think Denver's D is top notch, but why isn't Seattle or Arizona close? Seattle was the #1 scoring D, Denver #3 and Arizona #4. Carolina put up 107 combined points against them in 3 games. I am not trying to sell Denver's D short, but people seem to dismiss teams after they lose as if Seattle and Arizona all of a sudden suck on D because they lost. Even in ypc/ypa, Seattle was just behind Denver and Arizona a shade behind them. All four teams (including Carolina) were top 10 in ypc and ypa. Throw in the fact that Denver was 19th in scoring offense, compared to #1 for Carolina, #2 for Arizona and #4 for Seattle, maybe the four defenses were closer in real numbers (i.e. I know Carolina let up a lot of garbage points/yards because they had many blow out games). Again, not saying Denver wasn't the top overall defense, just that dismissing Seattle and Arizona as if Carolina hasn't played anyone close might be a mistake.

I think it will be a good game. I am not predicting a blow out like some, that is just silly. 3 weeks ago Carolina was struggling and going to lose to Seattle, now they will blow out Denver? Short term memories due to recent results. I hope we play well and win. I think where we have the advantage is our D versus their O. Again, I just hope we win. Getting out to a hot start like the last two games would be fantastic.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Cam has played well all season. But what happens when the youngster is surrounded by all of the lights and cameras?

He seems to hate that.

 

[Courtjester]

I need more time to think about this and come up with a more meaningful post . But IMO, this game will come down to can Denver limit Newton's running. Denver thrives on the edge pass rush and what I worry about as a Bronco fan, is Newton just taking off up the middle when he feels pressure.

Denver has to keep him contained in the pocket and let him try and beat you with his arm. I think Denver matches up well against their WR's and can keep Olson in check.

If Newton is running wild, then I think it will be a long day for Denver.

 

[Dismattle]

Just my two cents.. IF Cam doesnt so much as get a hangnail? I trully cant believe the Panthers not Winning #50.. Im thinking a real blowout tbh.. But, the real point, I wanted to share? I think its kinda sad SB Fans wont see NE attempting to play up to the level of their competition.. Yeah, I think Denver played their heart out for that Win.. (Possibly a lucky break away from losing too)

I cant help but think the Panthers D will almost snicker seeing PMan take the field..

p.s. One valid argument would involve the Denver D against that NE OLine.. (But, were also talking Cam, and a healthy JStew)

 

[SacramentoBob]

It's amazing that the fans of two #1 seeds meeting in the Super Bowl want to play up how underrated their team is.

 

[devouredbychaos]

I just hope all the Denver homers stick around when they lose, unlike the Seahawks homers last season who disappeared after they lost

I was here before you got here, and I'll be here long after you leave. I'm not going anywhere.

What will be the excuse this time when they lose in the Super Bowl? You can't use the injury excuse this time

This will be the Broncos 7th Super Bowl appearance, and yet they've only won 2?? Yikes.

 

[cstu]

The Denver Broncos (2–5) have lost a record five Super Bowls.

Not only a huge game for Peyton but also for the Broncos.

 

[thatguy]

I just hope all the Denver homers stick around when they lose, unlike the Seahawks homers last season who disappeared after they lost

I was here before you got here, and I'll be here long after you leave. I'm not going anywhere.

What will be the excuse this time when they lose in the Super Bowl? You can't use the injury excuse this time This will be the Broncos 7th Super Bowl appearance, and yet they've only won 2?? Yikes.

8th actually. Go away.

 

[cstu]

Denver’s defense isn’t the problem. I’m pretty sure they will be able to make things really difficult for the Panther offense.

That being said I think that Carolina’s defense can make things even tougher on the Broncos offense especially if Demaryius Thomas keeps playing like he has recently.

What happened to that guy?

Denver #1 total defense & #4 scoring defense vs. Carolina #11 total offense & #1 scoring offense

Carolina #6 total defense & #6 scoring defense vs. Denver #16 total offense & #19 scoring offense

Agree with you - the game will be all about the Broncos offense. The Broncos defense is capable of holding the Panthers to 28 points but Peyton will have trouble putting that many points on the board. Broncos will need a mistake-free game and need Cam to turn the ball over.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Denver’s defense isn’t the problem. I’m pretty sure they will be able to make things really difficult for the Panther offense.

That being said I think that Carolina’s defense can make things even tougher on the Broncos offense especially if Demaryius Thomas keeps playing like he has recently.

What happened to that guy?

Denver #1 total defense & #4 scoring defense vs. Carolina #11 total offense & #1 scoring offense

Carolina #6 total defense & #6 scoring defense vs. Denver #16 total offense & #19 scoring offense

Agree with you - the game will be all about the Broncos offense. The Broncos defense is capable of holding the Panthers to 28 points but Peyton will have trouble putting that many points on the board. Broncos will need a mistake-free game and need Cam to turn the ball over.

Denver can't give up 28 to Carolina. If the Panthers score that many points, they're almost certain to win. I just don't see Denver being able to score with them at that pace.

Again, I hope I'm wrong because I'd like to see the Broncos win.

 

[moleculo]

I just hope all the Denver homers stick around when they lose, unlike the Seahawks homers last season who disappeared after they lost

I was here before you got here, and I'll be here long after you leave. I'm not going anywhere.

What will be the excuse this time when they lose in the Super Bowl? You can't use the injury excuse this time This will be the Broncos 7th Super Bowl appearance, and yet they've only won 2?? Yikes.

If they lose, it will be to a better team. They are underdogs by what...5 points, will probably by 7 by game time. There's a reason for that - the Broncos are a flawed team. They have a QB likely over the hill, a turnstyle @ RT, and like to run the ball without a good RB or OL.If things go bad, I will congratulate all of the panther fans in know here and IRL (some are even the same people!), and life will go on. Panther fans are good folks, Charlotte is a good town, and these folks deserve a championship. Hell, I might even go to their victory parade.

 

[drfeelgood]

I just hope all the Denver homers stick around when they lose, unlike the Seahawks homers last season who disappeared after they lost

I was here before you got here, and I'll be here long after you leave. I'm not going anywhere.

What will be the excuse this time when they lose in the Super Bowl? You can't use the injury excuse this time

This will be the Broncos 7th Super Bowl appearance, and yet they've only won 2?? Yikes.

At least they won those two Super Bowls honestly. The Panthers are probably glad that their second trip to the Super Bowl will be against a team that hasn't illegally taped their play calls.

 

[moleculo]

Just to tag onto my previous response, especially for DBC: I'll always have that 2015 AFCCG to think back on - the game where the Broncos D kicked the #### out of Tom Brady, tea-bagging him all game long, and basically made Josh McD their #####. The game where the Broncos extended their all-time home playoff record vs New England to 4-0, including 3-0 vs Belichick/Brady.

 

[stbugs]

Just to tag onto my previous response, especially for DBC: I'll always have that 2015 AFCCG to think back on - the game where the Broncos D kicked the #### out of Tom Brady, tea-bagging him all game long, and basically made Josh McD their #####. The game where the Broncos extended their all-time home playoff record vs New England to 4-0, including 3-0 vs Belichick/Brady.

LOL. Nice. It will be a good game and a fun time. Pretty sure my boys are going to miss school that Monday along with a bunch of their friends. I'll see you at the victory parade.

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

Glad Thomas Davis is probably going to be able to play. Hope he gets a ring.

 

[Jayrok]

Glad Thomas Davis is probably going to be able to play. Hope he gets a ring.

There are other stars in Carolina who enjoy most of the limelight, but T. Davis is the heart and soul of this team, IMO.

 

[IndyHavoc]

I find it interesting that some think Denver's Defense cannot adjust their gameplan to what Carolina does. If I'm Denver, I play man-2-man on the WRs, a safety over the top of Olsen, focus on outside containment and less on pass rushing. Use Miller to spy Cam. Cam's not outrunning Miller.

To me, this game is all about gap control and contain. If Cam beats you over the top throwing the ball, then so be it. Eliminate their strength which is running the ball.

Denver’s defense isn’t the problem. I’m pretty sure they will be able to make things really difficult for the Panther offense.

That being said I think that Carolina’s defense can make things even tougher on the Broncos offense especially if Demaryius Thomas keeps playing like he has recently.

What happened to that guy?

Denver #1 total defense & #4 scoring defense vs. Carolina #11 total offense & #1 scoring offense

Carolina #6 total defense & #6 scoring defense vs. Denver #16 total offense & #19 scoring offense

I'm 100% on board with this. I said this in the AFCCG thread, Thomas can make a difference, a huge difference. If Thomas Davis can't get back to a place (or has to play in a cast that affects his tackling) I think the big body, strength, speed of Thomas can really be a factor in getting the Panthers D back on it's heals. But, as Yen pointed out...he's been playing sooo tentative. Is he really hurt in some way??