Carolina Panthers: Defense will run Super Bowl 50

Super Bowl 50 is a few days away, and the Carolina Panthers are facing off against the Denver Broncos to take away the biggest prize in the league.

The Carolina Panthers are one game away from completing an improbable season. Early season expectations saw this team struggling in many ways, but to say they overcame those obstacles would be downplaying their season. For both organizations this game is going to revolve around one word: defense.

Statistically speaking, it’s clear that the Panthers boast a stronger offense. Cam Newton and his crew continually impress as they’ve put up big numbers in nearly every game. Their 31.3 per game points leads the league, which is the first time in the team’s history that they’ve done so. Denver’s 22.2 points per outing is towards the middle of the pack, but this wasn’t the main factor that contributed to their success. Instead it was their dominating defense that powered this team throughout the year.

Both Denver and Carolina boast some highly capable defenses. The Broncos limited teams to only 283.1 yards a game, which led the league but is followed closely behind with the Panthers 322.9. Defense is going to be the true measure of which team is able to close out their season hoisting the title above their heads. When looking at these two organizations they both dominated in two different but still successful manners.

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Carolina overwhelmed many teams quickly as they ran up high scores within the first two quarters of play. However, it was the second half that raised a question nearly every time they stepped back on the field. Multiple instances occurred in which the efficiency of the Panthers would drop off and teams found a way to cut into their large leads. Carolina survived on the backs of their defense making late game plays to save victories that should have never been close to begin with.

With this point it is imperative that Carolina finds a way to score early but stay effective throughout the game. Aggressive play calling on the defensive side of the ball will play a large part in limiting Peyton Manning, who’s struggled throughout much of the year.

For Denver, their ability to rush the quarterback and break up their opponent’s offensive rhythm really shined through against the New England Patriots. Newton is a different type of quarterback with different options, which creates a wide spectrum of questions for Sunday. Newton’s played very well throughout the league and has looked like a quarterback ready to make better decisions with each down. However, doing so under the extreme pressure that the Broncos will bring is a question that can lead to success or failure in the biggest game of the year.

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Denver spent the season being known as the best defense in the league, while Carolina flexed one of the strongest offenses. Two different defensive stories will set the tone for Super Bowl 50 as the Panthers look to claim their first title since joining the league in 1995.

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