By Sam Neumann
The Carolina Panthers went into Santa Clara cocky and expecting to win. They had time and they had their chances, but in the end the Denver Broncos’ #1-ranked defense was too much for them to overcome.
In the first quarter down 3-0, Cam Newton stepped back to pass and was strip-sacked by Super Bowl MVP Von Miller. The fumble was recovered for a touchdown and it was at that moment that the Panthers and their fans suddenly knew that they were in trouble. That strip sack represented the theme of the game. The theme of Cam Newton getting hit hard and hit hard often. The Panthers offensive line had no answer for the Broncos’ defense and it proved costly.
Despite all of the Panthers’ uncharacteristic mistakes, such as turnovers, bad offensive line play, penalties and falling asleep at the wheel on special teams, they had the football two times in the 4th Quarter down 16-10 and could not do anything with it. Denver later went on to score another touchdown after Cam Newton fumbled away the Cardiac Cats' last opportunity. On that play where Newton was strip-sacked again, the MVP made no attempt or effort to go after the ball. It confirmed that Cam Newton and the Panthers, as cocky as they were, did not want it as badly as the Broncos did.
Here is the main problem that arises: the Panthers going into this game did nothing to change their gameplan to prepare for the best defense they have faced all season long. The offense that Cam Newton carried on his back all season long did not show up for this game and neither did the coaching staff. Mike Shula as the offensive coordinator ran the same run play on every first down, a run play up the middle. That play did not work a single time. The Panthers were stubborn and refused to adjust the way they played the game as they faced one of the best defenses in modern history. That is what did the Panthers in, in the long run, and that is why Peyton Manning was allowed to ride off into the sunset in what will most likely be his final NFL game. The Broncos were the more deserving team in this Super Bowl, regardless of the Panthers’ 15-1 regular season record, proving that old adage “Defenses win Championships.”
Comments