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 An estimated 190 million Americans and a worldwide TV audience are
set to tune in for a game that has the hallmarks of an instant
classic as Carolina's top-ranked offence clashes with Denver's
number one defense in a Silicon Valley showdown for the Vince
Lombardi Trophy.
The game will feature two generational talents on offense with
Carolina quarterback Cam Newton on the cusp of greatness and
five-time NFL Most Valuable Player Peyton Manning playing what could
be his last game, but the victor will likely be determined by the
play of the defenses.
"Our defense has just been exceptional all season long," praised
Manning. "They have led the charge for us to be here from the
get-go.
"Each game they had stepped up and done the job and they were
awesome against Pittsburgh and against New England.
"They are the reason we're here and, like I said a couple weeks ago,
I'm just glad that I don't have to play against them this year
because they are that good."
Still, the spotlight will not stray far from the two quarterbacks
who bring contrasting styles and personalities to the championship
game.
Newton, 26, is a flashy, brash imposing quarterbacking cyborg who
can beat an opponent with his arm and his feet.
With a victory on Sunday the Panthers would find themselves with an
18-1 record, a Super Bowl and in the discussion about the greatest
NFL teams of all-time.
Manning, meanwhile, is a cerebral 39-year-old quarterbacking genius
with an off-the-charts football IQ who operates primarily from the
pocket.
INTRIGUING CHESS MATCH
A Denver defense that led the NFL in sacks can expect a long evening
trying to contain Newton while Manning will engage in an intriguing
chess match with a Panthers defense spearheaded by All-Pro
linebacker Luke Kuechly that led the league in takeaways.
"He (Newton) is a special talent, a rare talent," said Broncos coach
Gary Kubiak. "This league has the best of everything.
"I mean you look at some of the great throwers in this league with
(New England Patriots) Tom (Brady) and (Green Bay Packers) Aaron
(Rodgers) and those type of guys and then now you got a guy who's
got a combination of everything.
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"Not only beating people with his arm but with his feet, his ability
to move around. A tremendous athlete that they've molded their
offense around."
During the regular season, the Panthers were an offensive juggernaut
averaging a league-high 31 points a game.
In the playoffs, they have been even more explosive in piling up 80
points in two routs, including a 49-15 blowout of the Arizona
Cardinals in the NFC Championship game that sent them through to
their second Super Bowl.
This has been far from a vintage year for Manning, who missed six
consecutive starts due to a heel injury and when he did return, for
the first time in his Hall of Fame career he stood on the sidelines
- as backup to Brock Osweiler.
Manning, who once threw seven touchdowns in a single game, had just
nine in 10 games this season offset by 17 interceptions as questions
over his age and diminishing arm strength became a recurring
storyline.
But like every great drama there are twists and in the regular
season finale Manning came on in relief of Osweiler to lead the
Broncos to a win, then steered Denver to narrow playoff victories
over the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots.
"I feel like I have a good understanding of the significance of
playing in the 50th Super Bowl," said Manning, who will be appearing
in his fourth NFL title game.
"This is a unique and special opportunity and obviously we're going
to take advantage of it.
"There is no question it's important to me, it's very personal to
me, and no question this season has had some unique challenges."
(Editing by Mark Lamport-Stokes)
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