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Super Bowl 50: Storylines

By Jack Crosby

February 3, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) addresses the media during a press conference prior to Super Bowl 50 at San Jose Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
February 3, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) addresses the media during a press conference prior to Super Bowl 50 at San Jose Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) and defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) and nose tackle Sylvester Williams (92) and outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) and defensive end Malik Jackson (97) during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) and defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) and nose tackle Sylvester Williams (92) and outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) and defensive end Malik Jackson (97) during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Can the Broncos defense carry this team to the Lombardi Trophy?

Let’s be honest about one thing: When you hear about the Denver Broncos, the first thing that you think about is Peyton Manning. That’s okay and completely understandable.

But while we’re here, let’s be honest about another thing: This Denver defense has legitimately carried this team to the point they’re at right now as AFC Champions, and if they’re going to beat the Panthers, it will be on them once again.

You’ll find very few people out there who will argue the fact that this Broncos defense was the best in the NFL all year long. Longtime NFL defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has proven to us all once again that he’s one of the best ever at his occupation. It was clear even dating back to last season that this Broncos defense needed to step up this year if this team wanted to be as successful as they are, and by God, Phillips made sure that was indeed the case.

With stars such as Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware and Aqib Talib, this unit has put the Broncos on their back all season long. Then you have the other guys that you don’t hear all that much about such as Brandon Marshall, Derek Wolfe and Malik Jackson contributing their fair share as well.

In the AFC Championship Game all they heard about was how effective Tom Brady and the New England Patriots offense was. Well, when it came down to crunch time, they made life for that offense –specifically Brady– a living hell en route to that AFC title. Now for the past two weeks all they’ve been hearing about is Cam Newton and this dynamic Panthers offense.

Can they get the job done one more time and make Cam feel the same way Brady did in Mile High two weeks ago? If they do, they should be going back to Colorado with the Super Bowl trophy.

Next: One Of The Greatest Ever?

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