Superbowl 50

Im going to start of by saying that I have no knowledge of the NFL and have only watched a few college games on ESPN. So here is an un-bias opinion piece on how tomorrow's Superbowl is going to be won. Iv’e been breaking down the statistics, going through game by game analysis and here is what I've come up with.

From what I have come up with, the Broncos are going to have their hands full tomorrow. Both teams finished at the top of their respective conferences and divisions. Panthers only dropped the one game during the regular season, and their star quarter-back picked up a major confidence booster, claiming the leagues MVP award. The Broncos lost the four games but won the games that counted, and have fought their way to a Superbowl appearance.

Now for the statistics. The Panthers have been able to consistently put score on the board. They were number one in total score, leaving their opponents staggering defensively. The Broncos have struggled more than the Panthers when they had the football. They rank 19th in total scoring, 4th worst in committing team turnovers, 19th lowest in first downs and have thrown the most interceptions, 23. Also, they gave up over a mile worth of penalties, the 8th worst in the NFL.

The Panthers, on the other hand, were more skilful and had more luck offensively. They rank 10th in team turnovers and 4th in first downs with 357 for the season. They have only thrown 10 interceptions for the season, which is the 25th least. 

Now, how are these team going to stop each other? Well, other than skill, hard work and determination, there are other strategies that will have to be put in place if either team plans on winning. So, let’s break down how these teams like to score. The Panthers have had 35 passing touchdowns this season, the 3rd most of all teams. They are number one in rushing touchdowns, with nineteen for the season. The Broncos have had 19 passing touchdowns and 13 rushing touchdowns for the season.

Let’s take a look at how effective the Broncos and the Panther’s drives were. 31.2% of the Broncos drives ended in either a TD or a field goal. 15.1% of their drives ended in turnover. On the other hand, we have the Panthers, who have been far more effective on their drives. 42.9% of their drives ended in a score and only 9.6% ended in a turnover.

Ok, now for how its going to be won. First, we’ll look at how the Broncos plan on stopping the Panther’s all-star offence. Defensively, this is where the game will be won or lost. If the Broncos can limit the first downs and force the Panthers to try and pass more than rush, then they have to have quick hands and grab the interceptions. All it will take is two or three interceptions for the Broncos and they will have a major chance if they’re offence can stand up and execute their plans and skills. Put simply, they have to score more. Ranking 19 in total scoring, they are going to have to try something different, whether that is slowing the play down or just keeping possession. They can’t afford to lose the ball. 

For the Panthers, it’s simple. If they play their natural game and keep scoring, they will win. The Broncos are going to try and limit their offensive pressure so the Panthers will have to play harder than the defence.

So who is going to win? Well it’s all in the hands of the Broncos. If they limit the Panthers offence and capitalise on their own offence, they will be in with a chance. Personally, I can’t see that happening. Im not writing the Broncos off, but I just can’t see them triumphing over the Panthers. But I know that it's sure is going to be close!