Super Bowl 50 Preview

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Joseph Paladino, Contributor

This Sunday, at 6:30 pm eastern standard time, the Carolina Panthers will take on the Denver Broncos for a chance to win the Super Bowl. It will be the first time in NFL history that two number one overall picks in the draft will square off against one another.

On one side is 39 year-old veteran Peyton Manning, looking to win his second Super Bowl.  The other side holds 26 year-old Cam Newton.  Newton is looking for his first ring and a chance to be among the greats. When Manning takes the field Sunday, it may be his last game. He was heard saying that this could be his last “rodeo.” Then comes the question, what if he loses? Will he go for another shot next year, or call a quits? Either way, he has had a heck of a career and will be remembered as one of the all-time greats.

The game will feature two top-ranked defenses, looking to make a statement in the biggest game of the year. Denver has been ranked the number one defense throughout the year, but Carolina isn’t far behind. The Panthers have only lost one game this whole season and will look to cap off an unbelievable year. When asked if they care about it possibly being Manning’s last game, they said he’s had his time and it’s their turn.

From my perspective, this game could either be a defensive matchup, or a complete blowout. It all depends on how the defenses perform and if the Broncos can score points. The game could be fun to watch for Carolina fans because when their offense gets going, it doesn’t stop. However, Manning and the Broncos may have a few tricks up their sleeve to unveil during the game. For all these reasons, this is such a tough game to predict. Even though I think that the Broncos defense is ridiculous, I feel like the Panthers will pull this one out by a score of 24-17.  My game x-factor is that Cam Newton will use his legs to get out of the pass rush and make some plays with his feet.