NO STOPPING NEWTON, PANTHERS
USA TODAY Sports writers and columnists predict the Super Bowl result: NANCY ARMOUR
I’m not sure which is scarier, Carolina’s offense or its defense — and given Cam Newton’s MVP season, that’s saying something. The Arizona Cardinals defense was not exactly what you’d call slackers, yet that’s exactly what Newton made it look like. He carved up the Cardinals with his arm and his feet; his size and speed will neutralize Denver’s suffocating pass rush. Carolina forced Arizona into seven turnovers — four interceptions and three fumbles. Peyton Manning won’t make the kind of mistakes Carson Palmer did, but his lack of mobility will leave him vulnerable to Carolina’s speed and power.
uThe pick: Panthers 35-17
JARRETT BELL
Fueled by the magic of Newton, no NFL team has been as hot for as long this season as the in-your- face Panthers. Just think: If not for a phenomenal touchdown by Julio Jones in Week 16, Carolina might be on the verge of a perfect season. Instead, the Panthers will bring all of their swagger into Super Bowl 50. Denver packs the No. 1 defense and the mystique of Manning, but Carolina’s momentum will be tough to top.
uThe pick: Panthers 27-23
NATE DAVIS
Newton has become the league’s most dynamic force, and he’ll deservedly earn his first MVP the night before the big game. But this all about Manning, the only fivetime MVP in NFL history. Backed by a defense that just stifled Tom Brady and can surely check all of Newton’s weapons, look for Manning to take his scalpel to a Carolina unit beset with injuries. He might not be equipped anymore to beat the Panthers with his arm, but he can definitely defeat them with his mind — expect Denver WR Emmanuel Sanders to be a key mismatch — and get the sto- rybook ending to his 18-year career and that second ring he has been chasing for nine years.
uThe pick: Broncos 24-23
LINDSAY H. JONES
I picked the Carolina Panthers when the playoffs started, and nothing has happened in their two playoff wins to convince me that they’re not still not the favorite. The biggest reason is Newton and the unique threat he provides as a dual-threat quarterback. The Broncos defense has been spectacular in the postseason, and it should give Newton his biggest challenge of the season. But if Newton truly is the MVP, this is where he proves it.
uThe pick: Panthers 24-21
MICHAEL MIDDLEHURST-SCHWARTZ
It’s hard to envision a Panthers defense that has handled the league’s best having any trouble with a Broncos attack that has been passable at its peak. Luke Kuechly and the rest of the ball- hawking unit could have opportunities against Manning if Denver’s running game can’t break through. Carolina will have to find a way past the league’s No. 1 defense, but it shouldn’t need to match its recent run of prolific performances.
uThe pick: Panthers 21-0
ERIC PRISBELL
Carolina has not faced a defense like Denver’s. But with a robust rushing attack featuring Newton and Jonathan Stewart, and the consistent threat of tight end Greg Olsen, the Panthers will move the ball. And expect the Panthers’ pass rush to give Manning fits.
uThe pick: Panthers 23-17
TOM PELISSERO
It was impressive to watch the Panthers offense in person Sunday. It’s doing next-level stuff in the running game, and Newton can hurt you in a lot of ways. Now, the Broncos are more talented than the Cardinals on defense, particularly up front. The Panthers run defense needs to be better than it was Sunday, and the injuries keep adding up on that side of the ball. But I’m done betting against Carolina this season.
uThe pick: Panthers 27-23
LORENZO REYES
The Panthers have everything going for them. The matchup everyone will want to watch is Newton and Carolina’s leagueleading offense against Denver’s stingy defense that battered Brady and the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. The difference will come when the Broncos have the ball. Though Manning showed he could manage the game and make enough plays to win in the postseason, Carolina’s front four and pass rush should make things a lot more difficult for Denver. And if the game is tight in the fourth quarter, Newton is capable of making any play needed to win.
uThe pick: Panthers 27-23