Superb-- the definition is--- excellent, superlative, first--rate, first--class, outstanding, remarkable, marvelous, magnificent, wonderful, splendid, admirable, noteworthy, impressive, fine, exquisite, exceptional, glorious.
Wow! Could a football game be ALL of that--- and more? Well--- Carolina Panthers--- the team, coaches, and fans--- all hope so.
This Super Bowl has the #1 Offense vs. the #1 Defense. The Panthers average over 30 points a game, and over 500 yards of offense per game. The Broncos lead the league in lowest yard average per pass AND run. Pretty amazing stats!
It's like the old adage of--- The Irresistible Force (Panthers) vs. the Immoveable Object (Broncos).
If you had told me last year that the Panthers would even be in the Super Bowl, it would have been hard to fathom. But if I had believed you, I would've said that it would've been the Panthers who had the #1 defense. Not so. Earlier this season, the Panthers were the #1 Offense and the #1 Defense. But Denver overtook them in the defensive category.
WAITING GAME ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I can't believe that it's been over a month since I wrote my last Panthers blog--- especially since so much has happened in that time span-- We clinched the division title. We won two playoff games against quality opponents in convincing fashion. We also lost a game to the Falcons, and lost two (count 'em) starting players, and almost a third one, to injuries.
But it's been more than just a month in waiting. It's been twenty long years for everyone. A Double Decade. We came close several times. 1996. 2003. And yet--- now we are on the cusp of something unique, something great. Something never before achieved in the history of the franchise.
A SUPER BOWL VICTORY
What do I think the game will be like? Some say it will be a defensive struggle. It might start that way. Some think that the two quarterbacks will be in a shootout. Maybe. I'm torn in trying to figure out how it may go. It's been a long time coming, and so I think that I'm just going to sit back and just enjoy it.
MY PREDICTION --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you want a prediction, I'll say --Panthers-- (of course)-- the score?--- Most of you are probably thinking 24--21 or 17--14. A lower--scoring, close game. It could happen that way. But I think the following will happen--
- The Panthers' offensive line will do much better against Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware than the Broncos' offensive line will do against Charles Johnson and Kawann Short. I predict Manning will not be a big factor and will be sacked at least five times. Cam? Maybe once or twice;
- A combination of Jonathan Stewart and Newton will be able to run against the Broncos. I look for them to have 150 yards on the ground. This will also open up the passing game for the Panthers;
- I believe that Ted Ginn will have a big play in the game--- either with a touchdown pass or a punt return.
- The Panthers' defense will force several turnovers--- both interceptions and fumbles. They forced 48 turnovers so far this year, which leads the league. I think the Panthers' offense may also make mistakes, but they will be few, and they will be able to overcome them better than the Broncos.
I may be all wrong--- if so, I'll admit to it-- the way I look at it, if the Panthers win, I don't really care if I predicted it correctly or not. But here goes "nothing"--- my prediction?
Panthers 41, Broncos 17
We will see how it goes. In the meantime, if you read this BEFORE the game, include your own prediction below in the comments section. I'd be interested in seeing WHO predicts the game correctly or not.
Hope we are celebrating a Panthers victory--- see ya next time on The Panthers Blog.
GO PANTHERS!
Panthers 39, Broncos 20
ReplyDelete