Denver Broncos vs Carolina Panthers: 5 X Factors That Could Decide Super Bowl Winner
We all know about the obvious matchups to watch for. We all know the Denver Broncos defensive line against the Carolina Panthers front five will be the ultimate matchup to watch. But, we can't overlook the big X factors that could very well play a huge factor in the outcome of the Super Bowl.
Here are five X factors to watch for in Super Bowl 50.
1. Cam's Mobility
This is, without a doubt, the biggest X factor to watch for. The Broncos have the most successful defensive line in the NFL, just ask opposing quarterbacks. Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware have been a terror to deal with at the line of scrimmage, and a pure pocket passing quarterback may not be the right type of player to defeat this unit. Cam Newton had over 600 rushing yards during the regular season and another 10 touchdowns on the ground. If Newton can avoid the Broncos pass rush and make plays with his feet, the Broncos may be in some trouble.
2. Broncos Blitz
When you have an elite defensive line like the Broncos do, it allows you to do so much more. If the Broncos do have some issues penetrating, they can draw up a few blitz packages. The Broncos have a terrific secondary with Aqib Talib, Chris Harris and T.J. Ward, so they can afford to send extra players in after Newton or to stop the run. On top of a solid Broncos secondary, the Panthers really don't have an impressive receiving core, so blitzing may be a wise idea by Wade Phillips. No Panthers wide receiver even had over 800 receiving yards this season.
3. Hit or Miss Ted Ginn
Ted Ginn is the kind of player who can make or break a game for you. He has exceptional speed, but, as we all know, he doesn't exactly have Larry Fitzgerald's hands. Ginn was the No. 1 wide out for the Panthers this year with 10 touchdown grabs and 739 yards through the air. It won't be easy against this Broncos defense, but if Ginn can get open downfield and make the big plays, that will be tremendous for the Panthers. Ginn also plays a critical role on special teams. Ginn is capable of returning punt returns for big yardage, but he has to make sure he doesn't fumble or muff a punt in his own zone.
4. Broncos Ground Game
The Broncos running game has been a mystery all season. Some weeks it looks good, some weeks it's non-existent. The bottom line is the Broncos ground game has been very inconsistent. The Broncos ranked a modest 17th overall in running the ball this year, but it still couldn't hit the 100-yard mark in eight of their 18 games. Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson have to give Peyton Manning a dual threat or this could turn into a long game. If the Broncos can't establish a running game early, it could result in a lot of three and outs and a low time of possession for the Broncos offense. The Panthers run defense ranked fourth in the league, so it won't be an easy task.
5. "Riverboat Ron"
He can be a risk taker at times. Ron Rivera has been here before, just not as a head coach. He was a player on the 1985 Chicago Bears, who also made it all the way to the Super Bowl with just one loss. Rivera may draw up some trick plays, possibly on special teams or maybe even an onside kick. Could we see a fake field goal? Maybe. When you have a dynamic quarterback like Newton, you can do so many things, like go for it on fourth down and pick up the conversion with an option play.
Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1
Subscribe to Latin Post!
Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage!