Super Bowl 50: Golden Gate Sports Staff Predictions

Grey Beaudin

The Denver Broncos can only win the Super Bowl by containing Cam Newton. Easier said than done. The current form of the Panthers make them a clear-cut favorite. They have boasted 31 and 17 point leads at halftime of their last two respective games. Those leads came against the likes of Seattle and Arizona, both of whom are known for their defense.

A high scoring affair will almost guarantee a Panthers victory. Wade Phillips and the Broncos defense will not allow that to happen. Phillips will use pressure to disrupt the timing of the Panthers offense from the start. Demarcus Ware and Von Miller will lead the defense in slowing the Panther attack.

The Broncos offense cannot afford to play from behind all game, which is why the early defensive effort will be key in establishing the pace of the game. Denver led the NFL with 52 sacks in 2015. They get after the opposing quarterback, a quality that was evident against Tom Brady and the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.

The Denver defense will neutralize Newton, suppressing the Carolina offense while giving Peyton Manning and the offense a chance to methodically break down the stout Carolina defense. –Denver 17, Carolina 14

Next: Kevin Saito