Peyton Manning is glad he doesn’t have to face Denver’s dizzying defense.
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New England had to go for 2 after Brady’s 4-yard touchdown to Rob Gronkowski because Stephen Gostkowski missed an extra point in the first quarter, snapping a string of 523 straight makes.
“Oh yeah, when Peyton shows he’s willing to do what he did, you want to follow that guy anywhere”, Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. said.
“He’s a warrior, but, yes, he was flinching”, Broncos defensive lineman Antonio Smith said. Six of those were from Palmer (two lost fumbles, four interceptions), who was 23 of 40 for 235 yards passing and one touchdown.
“I keep saying it: We’re not finished”, Panthers quarterback Cam Newton said. So, I think we did a hell of a job getting that pressure on him.
The team does not have to rush those negotiations, though, as Hightower, Collins, Jones and Butler will be part of the 2016 Patriots anyway: all four are under contract next season, which means that New England’s defense will stay largely intact.
Brady’s squad scored but failed on a two-point conversion attempt, putting them down 20-18 with a few seconds left. Close game like that, I think you always feel that way.
Standing in their way is Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers (17-1), who throttled the, Arizona Cardinals 49-15 to reach their first Super Bowl.
Nonetheless, although injuries have hampered the Patriots’ offensive line, it isn’t as if the Steelers hadn’t dealt with their own injuries too. On paper, that edge goes to Carolina. “That’s why we’re going to the ‘ship”.
But you should never count out Tom Brady.
Let’s talk about the Panthers and Broncos.
There’s something nearly refreshing about the clarity of any top-level analysis of Denver’s 20-18 win over New England.
Early in the second quarter, Manning found Daniels again for their second touchdown of the day, this one for 12 yards. He threw for a 176 yards against the Patriots as he has taken on more of a game-manager role.
For most of the game, New England successfully kept Denver’s running game in check. The Carolina line, which was a major question mark heading into the season, has been a pleasant surprise. Mike Remmers and Michael Oher have held up well, but this will be a tough task. Manning played at Tennessee from 1994-1997. “Tell us how bad we are and how we can’t cover and stop ‘this person, ‘ and I bet we win the Super Bowl”.
This will be Manning’s fourth Super Bowl appearance. OK, I made it easy.
With the combination of a solidly looking salary cap situation as well as the Patriots’ upcoming free agent class, the team can turn its attention to solidifying a young and talented defense for the foreseeable future.
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Interesting stat from last meeting: The Broncos sacked Newton seven times, once for a safety, when they beat them in 2012.
