NFL: 5 Reasons the Carolina Panthers Will Beat the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50
Super Bowl 50 is almost here, football fans. The biggest game of the NFL season can't get here soon enough. The Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos will square off this upcoming Sunday in what is expected to be a close game that goes down to the wire.
The Broncos won the AFC as the No. 1 seed, but here are five reasons the Panthers will eventually come out on top on Sunday.
1. Superman
It's Cam Newton's year to shine. The soon-to-be named regular season MVP is also the favorite to be named the Super Bowl MVP, the first to do so since Kurt Warner. Newton led the NFL in total touchdowns this year with 45. Newton's ability to scramble and run outside the pocket could be the ultimate death for the Broncos pass rush. Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware are excellent pass rushers, but can they contain Newton when he runs in the open field? Fear of this will lead to Newton eventually hitting a few deep balls to Ted Ginn Jr.
2. Defense
The Broncos had an incredible defense this year, but let's not sleep on what the Panthers accomplished. They did after all only lose one game all year long. You don't go 17-1 without having an elite defense. Luke Kuechly is an absolute monster at linebacker who can rush the quarterback, stop the run and cover tight ends. Josh Norman had a huge breakout year shutting down opposing wide receivers week after week. Not only did the Panthers shut down the run and rank No. 6 in total defense, but their pass defense ranked first in interceptions. They will be in for a true test against Peyton Manning on Sunday.
3. Ground Game
This is probably the biggest advantage for the Panthers over the Broncos in the Super Bowl. The Panthers running game ranked second in the league whereas the Broncos rushing attack ranked an average 17th overall. Newton had more rushing touchdowns than anyone on the Broncos roster this season. The Broncos ground game is in for a huge test against the Panthers defense. If the Panthers can establish a run game and keep the Broncos offense off the field, it's going to be very difficult for Manning to score points. Time of possession is always key.
4. Turnovers
Not only do the Panthers get stops, but they force turnovers. As previously mentioned, the Panthers forced the most interceptions in the entire NFL this year. The Panthers forced the most takeaways in the NFL this season, 39. The Panthers ranked first in turnover differential at plus 20. As for the Broncos, they forced 27 turnovers and had a turnover differential of negative four. Overall, the Panthers turnover differential was plus 24 better than the Broncos. That's a significant difference. As we all know, the team that wins the turnover battle usually wins the game. Edge, Panthers.
5. Momentum
This Panthers team really is a strong unit that feeds off momentum. If the Panthers get a two touchdown lead, then this should be over. If the Broncos have a two touchdown lead, the Panthers could very well come back and win it. If and when the Panthers get that big lead, it will force Manning to take a lot of chances down field, and that's when the Panthers are at their best. The Panthers will force interceptions, get big sacks, and make the Broncos one dimensional on offense. The Panthers will try and do what the Seattle Seahawks did two years ago against the Broncos.
Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1
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