Super Bowl 50: Golden Gate Sports Staff Predictions

Wes Ying

I feel conflicted when it comes to my Super Bowl winner. My head says the Panthers are too hot to be denied their first championship. My heart believes that Peyton Manning and company will eek out a swan song story for Manning. In this instance, I have to go with my heart.

The key to success against an elite quarterback is being able to bring pressure, and this game will be no different. Von Miller and Demarcus Ware will be front and center at stopping Cam Newton. Miller and Ware will have to replicate the havoc they wreaked on Tom Brady in the AFC Championship game, plus maintain containment on the edges to prevent the elusive Newton from gaining chunks of yards with his legs.

If Newton takes a few big hits early on, it will be interesting to see if Newton can shake it off. The Broncos pass rush can set the tone for the game and really get into Newton’s head.

Another key in the game is coverage on Newton’s favorite target, tight end Greg Olsen. Olsen has been instrumental in catching seam passes up the middle for long gains  and linebackers Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall should aide Denver’s strong secondary unit.

Although Manning will not be counted upon to carry this team as he has in the past, he will do his team wonders if he can sustain drives and stay off the turnover sheet. As seen in the NFC title game, no team can recover from turning the ball over so many times, not even an elite offensive team like the Cardinals.
The Broncos are no longer a prolific scoring team so they must lean on an exceptional defense to carry them. Paired with some solid play from their Hall of Fame quarterback, Manning can ride off into the sunset with his second ring. Broncos hold on to win, 20-17.

Next: Andrew Greenblatt