Super Bowl predicition

It's just a few days away now and goddamn if this isnt going to be a dog fight. The old adage "Defence wins championships" really holds true. Theres a lot to cover so I decided to look at the game matchup by matchup to discover who has the advantage.

Peyton vs. the Panthers Defence: This will be one hell of a challenge for Peyton. This defence has proven time and again that they will make your life hell (As a cards fan I know). When you are a one dimensional player it becomes even harder (the lack of a deep ball and negative ability to move around). The key here is for the broncos to design a game-plan that establishes the run, utilizes play action and gets the ball to Thomas and Sanders in space. If they can do this, they might have a chance. advantage: Panthers D

Broncos WR's vs. Panthers Secondary: Putting aside the pass rush and Mannings noodle arm, this is an interesting matchup. I think Norman and Thomas kind of cancel each other out. However, I feel like Emmanuel Sanders is going to torch Cortland Finnegan. The key here is if denver has a slot receiver who is willing to step up against robert mclain, whether its Cody Latimer, Jordan Norwood or Andre Caldwell.

advantage: Draw

Broncos run game vs. Panthers defence: this is arguably the key matchup of the Super Bowl. If CJ Anderson and company na run the ball enough to keep the defence honest, then denvers offence has a chance. Expecting any kind of large game against this front is somewhat foolish. However, a big game is not needed, just the threat of the run. Advantage: Panthers D

Owen Daniels versus Panthers safety and secondary: Daniels was a key component in Denvers win over new england. Even at his advanced age, he still runs great routes and has excellent hands. The injury to Thomas Davis limits his coverage ability. Therefore, the Panthers need to rely on Shaq Thompson and Kurt Coleman to step up. While, I think they will contain him, the majority of the game, I think he uses his veteran savvy to sneak out a TD. Advantage: Daniels 

Cam vs. Broncos front seven: this is an interesting one. Cam’s threat as a runner will force Miller and Ware to play honest (unlike in the Pats game). However their ability to hold the edge will prove troublesome of Newton’s ability to escape the pocket. The Panthers would be wise to run a lot of quick plays and utilize olsen early and often. This coupled with Newton’s athleticism should give him the slight advantage here. Advantage: Cam, by a tiny bit

Broncos secondary vs. Panthers Receivers. No offence to the Panthers wideout but this will be a lopsided victory for the Broncos secondary. They have two pro bowl corners and the panthers have a bunch of role players. Luckily for Carolina, this is not a part of their offence that they lean on. Advantage: Broncos secondary.

Greg Olsen vs. Danny Trevaithan: Im going to go out on a limb here and say if the Broncos were smart they would put Trevaithan on Olsen for the majority of the time, thus freeing up TJ Ward. Many people will say this is a landslide for Olsen but that is mostly because not a lot of people have heard of Danny. He is one of the best coverage backers in the business. While Olsen will get his catches, I predict that Trevaithan will hold him under sixty yards. Advantage: Draw

Panthers rushing attack vs. Broncos front seven: this will be a great matchup that goes back and forth. Carolinas tendency to run a lot of misdirections will help them get some big plays but in a straight up matchup, The Broncos hold their own. advantage: draw

As you can see there is a lot of draws. This will be indicative to how the game goes. While I won’t predict a score, I see the Panthers winning by 3.