Ideally, I would be writing this PCP on why the Patriots will be kicking butt next Sunday. As a long-time fan, I naturally called the Patriots defending their title this year. I obviously called it wrong. But let me tell you, I have a great deal of respect for Peyton Manning. I hate most of the teams who have defeated the Patriots in the past, but Peyton Manning is one of the few quarterbacks from whom I can graciously accept defeat.
Which is why I believe that the Broncos will go all the way this year at Levi’s Stadium on February 7.
First of all, their record definitely does them credit. They finished the season as the number one seed in the AFC with a 12-4 record, enjoying a first round bye during Wild Card weekend and home field advantage for the AFC Championship game. They’ve also beat the Patriots not once but twice since November 29, which is a feat impressive enough to convince me at least that they are Super Bowl worthy.
So how about that AFC Championship?? The Broncos certainly played an impressive game, especially on defence. They sacked Brady four times, and pressure on the quarterback caused him to finish 27 of 56 for 310 yards with a passer rating of 56.4. Brady’s offence was held to 18 points, with only one pass touchdown and two interceptions, and the game ended with a failed two point conversion and a failed onside kick recovery.
In less words: the Broncos played amazing D. Notable names include outside linebacker Demarcus Ware who kept pressure on Brady all day, and outside linebacker/defensive end Von Miller who finished with 2.5 sacks, and a pick to set up Manning’s second passing touchdown.
On offence, Manning finished 17 of 32 for only 176 yards. But two touchdowns and no interceptions still sound like pretty good stats to me.
So why will the Broncos win the Super Bowl? It is a combination of reasons.
Number one: defence. Need I repeat the stats? The Broncos finished the season ranked number one in the league for defence overall, and also led in sacks and yards allowed per game. There is no denying that the Carolina Panthers have a very talented, dynamic offensive approach, but they will definitely face a very competent contender in this Super Bowl matchup. I’m looking forward to a game featuring strong players.
It is vital that the Broncos focus on offence. Peyton Manning has faced injury and doubt all season, as he missed seven starts with a plantar fascia tear in his foot, but he still has the talent and razor sharp mind which he always has. No one should be underestimating this legend. The Broncos’ issue is offensive mistakes and missed opportunities: dropped passes have been haunting this team, with seven in their 23-16 victory over the Steelers in the Divisional Round. However, this offence can be unstoppable as long as they hold on to the ball. They have strong play-makers in Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, and as I said, Manning has what it takes.
Number two: experience. The Panthers have a great leader in Cam Newton, who without a doubt has had a phenomenal season and will most likely be MVP, but this number one overall draft pick has only been in the league since 2011. Manning was also the number one overall draft pick in his year, but that was in 1998. There is definitely something to be said for experience.
The Broncos played in the Super Bowl just two years ago, and boast five consecutive division titles. This will also be Manning’s fourth Super Bowl appearance. Therefore, they know what to expect with regards to the hype and the pressure, and are built to survive it. As a team with less playoff experience, the Panthers may be put off when it comes to the big game.
Number three: determination. Football is as much a mental endeavor as a physical one, and the Broncos have the determination not to back down. At 39 years old, Manning’s athletic ability is waning and his return for another season is questionable. Demarcus Ware said of Manning, “He got hurt, and they sort of ruled him out. I saw him in the training room the whole time getting ready, and I can see it in his eyes like, ‘I can’t wait to get back on the field…I knew he was ready.” Not only that, but the team’s extreme respect for their quarterback is motivating them to send him off with a second ring to conclude his legendary career. This is definitely a factor.
No one captures the mental attitude with which the Broncos are entering this game better than T.J. Ward: “Go ahead. Keep us as the underdog… Tell us how bad we are and how we can’t cover and stop ‘this person,’ and I bet we win the Super Bowl.”
Yes, I bet they will.
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