In deference to defense
QBs likely to play second fiddle in dictating which teams advance
During this quarterback-driven era in the NFL, defense might not win a championship anymore, but it can catapult conference finalists to the Super Bowl.
Considering the star-studded lineup of quarterbacks playing Sunday, expect the defenses that play best to propel their teams to Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, Calif.
The AFC Championship Game matching New England and Denver pits two of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history in Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. It also includes one of the greatest defensive coordinators in the Broncos’ Wade Phillips and the league’s best pass rush.
The NFC Championship Game between Arizona and Carolina features quarterbacks Cam Newton and Carson Palmer. They were Heisman Trophy winners and the first overall picks in their respective drafts.
Newton and Palmer were so impressive this season they should finish first and second in voting for the NFL Most Valuable
Player Award.
The Cardinals have to beware of the Panthers’ all-world inside linebacker, Luke Kuechly, who’s outstanding against the run and pass and also rushes the passer with ferocity.
The defenses that shut down or contain the opposing quarterbacks best are destined for Levi’s Stadium, home for Super Bowl 50.
The last four survivors finished among the top nine in defense this season: Denver (first), Arizona (fifth), Carolina (sixth) and New England (ninth).
The three highestscoring offenses belonged to Carolina (500 points), Arizona (489) and New England (465).
Primarily because of Manning’s injuries and 17 interceptions, the Broncos scored 355 points and led the league with 23 interceptions. They were minus-4 in turnover differential, the only remaining team on the minus side.
The Panthers were a league-best plus-20, compared with the Cardinals’ plus-9 and Patriots’ plus-7.
The key coordinators Sunday will be Phillips and the Panthers’ Sean McDermott.
Phillips, voted NFL Assistant Coach of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America this week, has to devise a strategy to stop a New England offense that was unstoppable during nine games this season.
That’s when Brady had tight end Rob Gronkowski
and receivers Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola on the field together, and the Patriots went 9-0. Brady completed 68.4 percent and threw for 3,011 yards, 24 touchdowns and two interceptions. His rating was 112.3.
When the Broncos beat New England 30-24 in overtime at Denver this season, Brady didn’t have Edelman and Amendola, and Gronkowski left in the fourth quarter with a knee injury.
Bad blood has been brewing between the Broncos and Patriots this week. A couple of Denver players accused Brady of whining to officials when he gets hit. A couple of
New England players accused the Broncos of taking cheap shots in the first game.
The Broncos led the league in sacks, and if they don’t get to Brady or at least disrupt his timing with his receivers, they have no prayer of winning. Even divine intervention might not be enough, considering how well Brady and the offense played in the divisional victory over Kansas City.
Phillips has to figure out a way to deploy enough players in coverage but still get pressure on Brady.
The Broncos should be able to stop the Patriots’ running game for two reasons. One, the Patriots make no pretense to run. Two, Denver led the league with a 3.6-yard opponents’ average per carry.
The other coordinator on the spot, McDermott, was considered a qualified head coaching candidate, but no owner wanted to wait for him. That’s too bad, because he has done a terrific job with Carolina’s defense.
The Panthers are 16-1, including the 31-24 victory over Seattle in the divisional round. They were fourth against the run, which means they have a chance to corral the Cardinals’ running game and force Palmer to throw.
Unlike Newton, Palmer is no threat to run. McDermott is blessed with some outstanding players: Kuechly, linemen Kawaan Short and Star Lotulelei, outside linebacker Thomas Davis, and cornerback Josh Norman.
Norman covering receiver Larry Fitzgerald should be the matchup of the day.
The Panthers have enough star power on defense to help deal the Cardinals their second defeat on the road this season. But they will have to overcome the revenge factor.
In last year’s wildcard round at Carolina, the Panthers won 24-16. Because of injuries, the Cardinals were forced to play their third quarterback, Ryan Lindley. The Panthers limited them to 78 yards, fewest in NFL playoff history.