Super Bowl 50 has finally arrived, and it's about that time to crown a winner. Peyton Manning vs. Cam Newton, you just can't ask for a better matchup.
Will Manning head into the sunset with the Lombardi trophy in hand, or will Newton finally shut up all his doubters and haters? This game could go either way. But in my opinion, if the past is any indication (which it isn't always), the Panthers will win the Super Bowl this year. Here's why:
1. The Panthers score early, and frequently.
The Panthers averaged a league-high 31.2 points in the regular season and scored at least 30 points in eight of their last nine games. They outscored their opponents by over 100 points in the first half of the regular season and have outscored the Seahawks and Cardinals in the first two rounds of the playoffs in the first half 55-7 (and those are two pretty good offensive teams). If the Panthers can put points on the board early and often, it will be hard for the Broncos to bounce back, even with Manning leading the way. And if the past is any indication, the Panthers will. With that being said, Aquib Talib and Von Miller have been outstanding and will undoubtedly be a tougher threat to Newton.
2. Cam Newton and his red-zone efficiency.
Cam Newton is the clear winner of this year's MVP. You've heard about it everywhere, so I won't repeat all of his insane numbers. But, there is something to be said about his red-zone efficiency this year. Twenty-six red-zone touchdowns, and ZERO red-zone interceptions. What makes Newton such a threat is the fact that even when you know what he's doing, you still can't stop him. He uses his physicality to his advantage. And he's so good at mixing it up in the red-zone between passing, handing it off, and even running it himself. A difference between a field goal and a touchdown can be the difference in the game. And you can't help but think the Seahawks would have been better off with a guy like Newton in that last red-zone drive in the Superbowl against the Pats last year.
3. Peyton Manning is not who he once used to be.
Look, if this game is close late in the fourth quarter, I'll be the first to say I'd rather have Manning leading the way over Newton. Manning has all the experience and Newton hasn't had to be tested in situations like that very often this year. BUT, I don't think it'll be that close by the fourth quarter. Manning has arguably had the worst season of his career, leading the league in interceptions with 17 even though he only played in ten games. He also had the lowest passing rating of any qualified starter in football this year. After watching Manning for a while, you see he is most accurate and consistent when he throws up the middle for medium yardage or a cutback pass to the right side for short yardage. And what do you know, that's where the Panthers' two best defensive players are usually positioned. If the ball goes in the direction of Luke Kuechly and Josh Norman often this game, you can expect multiple turnovers and a rough outing for Manning.
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: Panthers 27, Broncos 23
