5 things Peyton Manning must do to win Super Bowl 50
By John Buhler
2. Use the Run to get in Field Goal Range
In head coach Gary Kubiak’s ultra-conservative offensive game plan, he prefers to use the run to open up the pass. Stemming from the concepts he learned as a backup quarterback to John Elway in Denver under then head coach Mike Shanahan, this is a recipe for success that does work in the Mile High City.
Knowing that he has a rapidly diminishing skill set at starting quarterback, the Denver Broncos’ Peyton Manning will have to fully embrace Kubiak’s run-first offensive philosophy to beat the Panthers in Super Bowl 50.
Not that Denver’s rushing attack of C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman have been spectacular in 2015, but a conservative and methodical offensive game plan will limit what Carolina’s strong defense can do against the Broncos’ sub-par offense.
Manning doesn’t have to throw a ton of touchdown passes to keep his Broncos in this game. He just needs to help his defense out by getting any points he can on an offensive series. Denver does have a great kicker in Brandon McManus who can routinely kick 50+ yard field goals to help the Broncos get at least three points on a conservative offensive series orchestrated by Manning.
Taking the points that come with a field goal isn’t great for television ratings, but it is a way that the Broncos can chip away at a Panthers’ lead in Super Bowl 50. Points are scarce for the Broncos offense this season, so Manning will have to do everything in his power to put the Broncos in at least field goal range to get something out of his offensive drives.
One way that Manning can gain field position on the Panthers is through a committed running game. If he has to audible out of a passing play to a run up the middle to gain an extra four yards to put his team in field goal range, then he should do that. Every point the Broncos can get on this Panthers defense, the better.
Next: 1. Execute in the Red Zone