NFL: 5 Big Questions Heading into Super Bowl 50
The Broncos and Panthers meet up on Sunday in Super Bowl 50. We know so much about these two teams, but many questions still remain. Questions about matchups, key players and both sides of the football. Here are five big questions that could very well decide the outcome of Super Bowl 50.
1. Can the Panthers offensive line get the job done?
This is probably the biggest question of all. The Broncos defensive line was extraordinary this year leading the NFL in sacks and quarterback pressure. They bullied Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game, and now it's time to see if the Panthers offensive line is up for the challenge. Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware could very well give the Panthers front five a few fits, but how will Cam Newton respond? If the Broncos get to Newton often and early with ease, we could be in for a low scoring defensive battle. Quarterback pressure is always key.
2. Will the Broncos establish a run game?
If the Broncos can't get the football moving on the ground, it's going to be extremely difficult to win. Peyton Manning can't do everything for this Broncos offense. C.J. Anderson has to hit the open holes for positive yardage and keep that Panthers offense off the field. The Broncos don't have to dominate on the ground, just show some life and create a little balance. The Panthers have a terrific run stopping defense, so the Broncos are in for a tough task. Don't expect Manning to have much of an impact with his legs.
3. Can the Panthers wide receivers get open?
We can pretty much all agree that the Panthers biggest weakness is wide receiver depth. Greg Olsen is a fantastic tight end, but let's be honest, the Panthers don't have elite receivers to fear. Aqib Talib, Chris Harris, and T.J. Ward should have their way against the Panthers wide outs. Ted Ginn Jr. has to get open down field to stretch the Broncos secondary. The Panthers have only lost one game this year despite not having outstanding wide receivers, so their fans shouldn't worry too much. On the flip side, if the Panthers wide receivers can't get open, especially on third down, the Broncos defense is going to force a lot of three and outs.
4. Will Peyton Manning have his way?
The mystery of Peyton Manning. This has obviously been Manning's worst statistical season of his career, but he just keeps getting the job done when it matters most. His nine touchdowns and 17 interceptions doesn't paint a pretty picture, but Manning doesn't have a single turnover this postseason. Manning always plays better after a bye week, and at 39 years old, he's going to need that extra week. Still, Manning's accuracy has been questionable this year, and there's no telling how he will play against this Panthers squad. The last thing non-biased NFL fans want to see is a replica of Super Bowl 48, when the Seattle Seahawks embarrassed Manning and the Broncos.
5. How will the Broncos wide receivers do?
John Elway spent a lot of money on wide receivers over the last few seasons, and it has paid off big time. The Broncos have an excellent core of wide outs with Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders leading the way. Thomas has had quite a few drops over the last few seasons, and that's going to have to change for a Broncos victory on Sunday. Sanders is one of the best deep threats in the league, and if he can stretch the field, this will get very interesting. Only time will tell if Josh Norman is covering Sanders or Thomas more often. Either way, fans are in for a great matchup.
Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1