Sharper Point: Why the Arizona Cardinals will beat the Carolina Panthers

Though the Vikings aren’t playing in the Super Bowl, it doesn’t mean Minnesota’s presence won’t be felt on February 7 when the Carolina Panthers take on the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50.

OK, so it won’t be official until after Sunday’s NFC Championship Game between the Red Birds and the Carolina Panthers, but I’m calling it based on some social media posts I’ve seen this week.

MILLER TIME: Broncos linebacker Von Miller was terrific Sunday, getting 2 1/2 sacks and an interception in a 20-18 victory over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in the AFC title game. The Panthers found a way to win every game but one so far and the train will run into Santa Clara for Super Bowl 50. Davis said after the game he fully expected to play in the Super Bowl in about two weeks. Panthers have run for 100 yards in NFL-best 27 straight games….

The Broncos led throughout the afternoon, but it was a nail-biter at the end, as a late comeback attempt by New England fell just short.

Rivera, the Bears defensive coordinator opposite Manning’s Colts nine years ago in Super Bowl XLI, devoted countless hours watching television broadcasts of Colts games, in addition to the coach’s tape, to clue into any of the quarterback’s pre-snap cues. “I think the line will settle in at 4 and stay there until Super Bowl weekend”.

One of his biggest helpers was Ted Ginn Jr., who was dumped by the Cardinals after last season. Palmer’s Arizona Cardinals finished the regular season first in the league in offense, while Newton’s Carolina Panthers were No. 1 in points scored.

Arizona quarterback Carson Palmer was equally complimentary of Norman. The sports scene in Charlotte also has something to amuse Chicagoans, what with the city’s National Basketball Association team led by a Bulls legend and its NFL team coached by an ’85 Bear.

The seven turnovers from Palmer and Peterson were the most by any team in a playoff game since the Packers’ eight in a 2001 loss to the Rams.

Cam Newton is at the opposite end of his career, just 26, making his debut in the big game.

Philip Rivers has already said no thanks, which means we’re one step closer to the Charlie Whitehurst appearance we’re all waiting for. “But we plan on winning”.

Davis said if it “comes down to a pain tolerance” he’ll fight through whatever is necessary in order to play.

“We’ve just got to try to get some pressure on (Manning)”, Kuechly said. He was responsible for four touchdowns (two passing, two rushing) and had one interception.

“My role has been different and my contributions are different”, Manning said. “To me this victory is a great example of what this season has been like”, Manning said.

The scoring started quickly as it did for the Panthers against the Seahawks.

While those two perennial Pro Bowlers are certain to bounce back next season, it’s fair to wonder how Palmer’s postseason collapse will affect his confidence going forward.