This is it. The final game of the 2015-2016 season. The Carolina Panthers vs the Denver Broncos.
New blood, Cam Newton, vs Old blood. Peyton Manning.
Here's how both teams break down.
Carolina Panthers (15-1) - First in the NFC by a huge margin.
How they got here:
Divisional Round: Built up a big lead over the Seahawks, only to see them storm back and nearly send it to overtime.
NFC Title Game: Destroyed the Cardinals. not even a close game.
Best player: Cam Newton: NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the year.
Run game, like whoa.
Offense: Decent receivers, relies on the run game mostly.
Defense bends, but can be scored on. Kuechly is a damn beast.
Gamechanger: Newton. By far. The team goes as he goes. If he gets started, he will have them rolling.
Denver Broncos: (12-4) - First in the AFC by a slim margin
How they got here:
Divisional Game: Thrilling win over the Steelers. One of the best games of the year.
AFC Title Game: Made Tom Brady look like A Detroit Lions QB.
Best Player: Von Miller. If they can get a couple of blockers on him, well, they still have to deal with a formidable pash rush, but they can render him useless.
Defense like, whoa. Number one defense coming into this game, but hasn't played a Cam Newton. Intrigued to see how this goes.
Offense: Game manager Peyton Manning. I mean, he can still throw, but has always been as fast as a snail. No one expects him to win this game, so he will need lots of help and limit turnovers to 0.
Defense: Playmakers alll over the field. A dangerous opportunistic defense. They need to stay home and let Cam not have any running lanes or this game will be over by halftime.
Gamechanger: Peyton Manning, honestly short passes and timing passes could be the key. The last person we all expect to win this, could be the difference maker.
Super Bowl 50
6:30EST
(CBS) Panthers vs Broncos - This could be Peyton's last game. I for one, respect the player. Tremendously. He has been my favorite QB since he was at Tennessee. One who I always admired. Nothing would make me happier than to see him go out as a champ. After winning one, and losing two (one with the Broncos and Colts) it would be nice to see the Captain ride off into the sunset as a winner. I really hope that is the case. That the defense has figured out how to contain Cam. That Peyton throws TD's and builds up a lead and forces the Panthers to fight that number one defense. I hope and hope and hope.
But the problem is, Cam Newton. Look at that beast. 6'5, 260. That's a wide receiver with a linebackers body and a Steve Young arm. Guy is good. Insanely good. He is the QB that makes everyone around them that much better. If he can't pass, he will run. He is the difference maker. He will be the reason the Panthers are winning this game. I hope otherwise, I hope the Broncos win, but I feel Cam will be hoisting a trophy tonight. And many more in seasons to come. I think the Panthers win a thrilling game. Panthers 27, Broncos 24
