Super Bowl L: Who you got (and by how much)?

Pick the winner and margin


  • Total voters
    227
  • Poll closed .

54thMA

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Why wouldn't you give Wade Phillips credit? He's a great defensive coach and had a great plan in the AFCCG.
He didn't have to spend more than 2 seconds planning for any sort of a running game, so he rushed 3 or 4 and played dime, taking away the short underneath stuff, not to mention Stork was tipping off the snap, the Broncos were in the backfield in the blink of an eye, that had nothing to do with Phillips..

I don't see the NFL coming to him anytime soon asking for his genius defensive game plan to stick it in Canton.

A blind squirrel finds an acorn every once and awhile. His shit game plan vs the Steelers the week before almost cost them the game.

If he draws up a plan that shuts Cam and the Panthers down, I'll give him his due.
 

DanoooME

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I have this weird Denver feeling. Their defense is for real. Let's see what happens if Cam gets flustered a bit.

Broncos by 4.
Cam is the biggest frontrunner I've ever seen. The guy goes into mega-celebration mode when winning and turns into a pouty 5 year old when he's losing, so this could be a factor if they get punched in the mouth right off the bat and go down 10 or 14 points right away. It's not likely to happen, but if it does it will be interesting to see how poorly Cam plays from that point with all of the pressure on him.
 

loshjott

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Cam is the biggest frontrunner I've ever seen. The guy goes into mega-celebration mode when winning and turns into a pouty 5 year old when he's losing, so this could be a factor if they get punched in the mouth right off the bat and go down 10 or 14 points right away. It's not likely to happen, but if it does it will be interesting to see how poorly Cam plays from that point with all of the pressure on him.
Wow, that's bitter. Was he a pouty 5 year old during those two 4th quarter TD drives while behind in Seattle in October?
 

Leather

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Seattle fans seem to feel about Carolina the way Pats fans felt about the Ravens a few years back.
 

Super Nomario

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He didn't have to spend more than 2 seconds planning for any sort of a running game, so he rushed 3 or 4 and played dime, taking away the short underneath stuff, not to mention Stork was tipping off the snap, the Broncos were in the backfield in the blink of an eye, that had nothing to do with Phillips..
I wouldn't assume that Phillips deserve no credit for the Broncos figuring out the Patriots' snap count. And rushing just 3 or 4 ran counter to Phillips' usual tendency and seemed to throw Brady and the Pats for a loop. The biggest play of the game was one where Miller dropped into coverage.

I don't see the NFL coming to him anytime soon asking for his genius defensive game plan to stick it in Canton.
I listened to a Podcast today where Doug Farrar suggested that the Broncos game plan should be in Canton. They mixed things up just enough in coverage and Brady looked confused and uncertain even in the rare instances where he did have a little time. They held down Edelman and Amendola all game and much of Gronk's production was after both starting safeties went out.

A blind squirrel finds an acorn every once and awhile. His shit game plan vs the Steelers the week before almost cost them the game.

If he draws up a plan that shuts Cam and the Panthers down, I'll give him his due.
Wade Phillips has been a DC or a HC for 33 years for a reason - he's a really good defensive coach. I find it bizarre that you're minimizing his career.
 

patinorange

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I have this weird Denver feeling. Their defense is for real. Let's see what happens if Cam gets flustered a bit.

Broncos by 4.
They shut down one of the best offenses in football. Twice. Manning just has to play decent and they have a shot.
I'm going with the money line, I think it is a good value. I think we will know quick, Denver needs some early stops.
 

RedOctober3829

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Been going back and forth on who I think will win. I came to the conclusion that Denver will be better than most think in this game but it still won't be enough. Cam will make big plays with his legs after Ware/Miller rush up the field.
 
Apr 7, 2006
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They shut down the patriots offense once, and deserve credit for doing so. I don't think they shut down the patriots offense twice. NE scored 24 points without Edelman, Amendola and Gronk (for an impactful amount of time) - that was far less impressive than you're remembering it.
 

Super Nomario

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They shut down the patriots offense once, and deserve credit for doing so. I don't think they shut down the patriots offense twice. NE scored 24 points without Edelman, Amendola and Gronk (for an impactful amount of time) - that was far less impressive than you're remembering it.
The Pats were definitely depleted, but 24 points on 15 drives isn't very good. And one of the Pats' TD drives was only 15 yards.
 
Apr 7, 2006
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Down most (and then all) of their best playmakers, the Patriots scored 24 points and were likely to score even more, were it not for a mind blowingly stupid decision - be it on the coaches or the player - to attempt to return a punt in the snow near midfield. I'm not going to concede that Denver's D was remotely as impressive or effective in that game compared to the dominance they showed in the AFCGG against the patriots at what was essentially "full strength." That's absurd.
 

54thMA

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I wouldn't assume that Phillips deserve no credit for the Broncos figuring out the Patriots' snap count. And rushing just 3 or 4 ran counter to Phillips' usual tendency and seemed to throw Brady and the Pats for a loop. The biggest play of the game was one where Miller dropped into coverage.


I listened to a Podcast today where Doug Farrar suggested that the Broncos game plan should be in Canton. They mixed things up just enough in coverage and Brady looked confused and uncertain even in the rare instances where he did have a little time. They held down Edelman and Amendola all game and much of Gronk's production was after both starting safeties went out.


Wade Phillips has been a DC or a HC for 33 years for a reason - he's a really good defensive coach. I find it bizarre that you're minimizing his career.
Are you a Denver fan; if you're not, you should be, they're going to need all the fans they can get in about 72 hours.

And seriously; someone thinks that game plan should be in Canton?

Now you're just trolling, or more to the point, you're just fucking with me, right?

I bet you're the guy who picked Denver to win by 14-20.

I wouldn't know Doug Farrar if I fucking fell over him.

Almost two weeks out and I'm still pissed off over that loss.
 

BigSoxFan

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It's going to take a pretty heroic DEF/ST effort from Denver or Cam crapping his pants for Denver to win this. Manning is going to be under so much constant pressure that I'm already getting giddy just thinking about it. Norman will eliminate one of Denver's WRs and Manning will have to figure out how to score on a top defense with Owen Daniels, whoever Norman doesn't guard, and a mediocre at best running game. There will be serious floaters in the air like in SB48. Carolina will just have to make the plays that the Patriots somehow couldn't.
 

SeoulSoxFan

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Are you a Denver fan; if you're not, you should be... And seriously; someone thinks that game plan should be in Canton? Now you're just trolling, or more to the point, you're just fucking with me, right? I bet you're the guy who picked Denver to win by 14-20.
Very few posters here are as informed, level-headed, and free of trolling than SN. If you disagree with his analysis, provide a counterpoint, or more to the point, show your work.
 

54thMA

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Very few posters here are as informed, level-headed, and free of trolling than SN. If you disagree with his analysis, provide a counterpoint, or more to the point, show your work.
Phillips as a head coach had a .562 winning percentage, won two division titles in 12 years of coaching, 1-5 in the playoffs, including 4 one and dones, the most famous being the 2007 Cowboys, the #1 seed in the NFC losing to the eventual Super Bowl Champion New York Football Giants.

In his stops with the Oilers, Saints, Eagles, Broncos, Bills, Falcons, Chargers, Cowboys, Texans and Broncos, he has been to the Conference Championship game a whopping total of one time.

This will be his first ever trip to the Super Bowl.

Sorry, he's not that good.

We'll see what he comes up with tomorrow.

Edit; before someone brings it up, he went to the AFCCG with the Oilers while he was on his fathers staff.....................
 
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BigSoxFan

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I'm showing the line is now Carolina -4.5. I don't gamble but, man, that is starting to get juicy.
 

Super Nomario

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Phillips as a head coach had a .562 winning percentage, won two division titles in 12 years of coaching, 1-5 in the playoffs, including 4 one and dones, the most famous being the 2007 Cowboys, the #1 seed in the NFC losing to the eventual Super Bowl Champion New York Football Giants.

In his stops with the Oilers, Saints, Eagles, Broncos, Bills, Falcons, Chargers, Cowboys, Texans and Broncos, he has been to the Conference Championship game a whopping total of one time.

This will be his first ever trip to the Super Bowl.

Sorry, he's not that good.

We'll see what he comes up with tomorrow.

Edit; before someone brings it up, he went to the AFCCG with the Oilers while he was on his fathers staff.....................
What does Phillips' head coaching record have to do with his skills as a defensive coordinator? We've seen lots of coaches succeed as OC / DC and not do well as HC, like Dick LeBeau. That doesn't make them any worse as a coordinator.

And for what it's worth, a .562 winning percentage as a head coach is quite good. Only a third of coaches have records above .500; Phillips is in the top 20 or 30% in terms of record. It's also worth noting - he got fired from the Bills after two playoff seasons and an 8-8 season. Buffalo hasn't made the playoffs since. He got fired from Dallas after three winning records in four seasons, including two playoff appearances. The Cowboys have had one winning season and one playoff appearance since.

EDIT: of course, Denver did much better with Phillips' successor, winning the Super Bowl in Shanahan's third and fourth seasons.
 
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TomTerrific

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My head tells me Carolina should win by 10. My gut thinks this will be tight.

I am wholeheartedly rooting for the Panthers, mainly because of the Manning factor. I do want to add that our two chief resident broncos fans 86spike and j-man are as good a pair of opposing team contributors as we could hope for.

Worst of luck tomorrow, guys, but thanks for the posts.
 

Saints Rest

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Isn't Carolina's skill set a lot closer to Pitt's than to NE's? I don't recall anyone praising Phillips after that game. A 3rd string RB got a lot of yards against Denver's vaunted run defense.

Isn't Seattle's defense a lot closer to Denver's than NE's? I seem to recall Carolina (at least for a half) doing whatever they wanted.

Carolina 34-10
 

Super Nomario

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Isn't Carolina's skill set a lot closer to Pitt's than to NE's? I don't recall anyone praising Phillips after that game. A 3rd string RB got a lot of yards against Denver's vaunted run defense.
Are you talking about the first meeting with Pittsburgh where Williams ran 14 times for 26 yards, or the second meeting where Toussaint and Todman combined for 17 carries for 45 yards?

I agree with the consensus that Carolina should win, because their offense is much better than Denver's and their defense is almost as good. But we shouldn't sell the Broncos D short. What they did to the Patriots in the AFCCG wasn't a fluke; they're the #1 yardage D in the NFL for a reason. That unit could win this one even if the O gives them almost nothing. Hell, they've been doing it all year.
 

Soxy

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Carolina 24-13. Think it's going to be an ugly, sloppy, kind of boring game to watch. Hope I'm wrong on that front.

Carolina has a larger margin for error in that they can afford to make some mistakes and still find a way to win. Denver cannot. They basically have to play perfect to have a shot.

Carolina's offense can give Denver enough problems to move the ball and score some points. The worst unit on the field, by far, will be Denver's offense. As such, I see Carolina winning the field position battle and the turnover battle, both things they've done all year. Carolina has had a ton of short scoring drives this season because they play great complimentary football. It's the opposite of Denver, who relies solely on their defense to win games for them. Relying that much on one side of the ball is a tough road to hoe to a championship. Unless Peyton can find the fountain of HGH and help out his defense, I don't see Denver winning this game.
 

BigSoxFan

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This is my nightmare.
I'm convinced it will happen. Manning's farewell tour is giving me the same vibes as Bettis and Lewis. The past year since Saint Malcolm's INT has been one giant kick in the nuts after another (although court ruling was nice) and the Broncos have been extremely fortunate all year. If there's a fluke play that helps to decide the game, it's going to be in favor of Denver. That much I am certain.
 

CantKeepmedown

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In a perfect world, more info about Manning and HGH comes out today, causing a huge stir. Manning goes out tonight and puts up an all time stinker. Multiple picks, fumbles, and ducks. Carolina starts with a quick TD, followed up by a pick 6 or fumble return. Manning walks off, 1-3 in SB's with 2 absolute blow outs.

But, as others have said, there is worry that if Denver starts strong and Carolina stutters a bit, this might be closer than thought. Hopefully Carolina is a loose as they appear and continue to roll.
 

DJnVa

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A Denver win and the Pats open in Denver next season on Thursday night.
 

Sportsbstn

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Carolina's offensive line is a very good line. Denver has vulnerability deep and Cam can throw the deep ball. I think this game comes down to Denver's ability to score touchdowns instead of kick field goals, and I don't think they will. Carolina 30-13.
 

bankshot1

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I can't see Denver controlling the ball long enough or consistently enough to win. I see too many short drives/3 n outs. The Denver D is good, but against the Steelers they played against a really banged up team (Ben was maybe 75%) and no Brown, and the Pats were one-dimensional with no O-line and no running attack, Brady was playing in his personal hell, but he still almost pulled it off.

IMO the Panthers running attack, Cam varied abilities and their solid O-line eventually wears out a tired Denver D.

The horseshoe was left in Denver
.
Panthers 28-13.
 

54thMA

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The closer it gets to game time, the more I'm getting a Cameron, Custer's Last Stand, Dien Bien Phu, Stalingrad, Alamo, Isandlwana vibe, with Manning and Denver playing the role of the French Foreign Legion, 7th Cavalry, French Indochina forces, German 6th Army, Texans and Britsh colonial army and Newton and Carolina playing the role of the Mexicans, Indians, Vietnamese, Russians, Mexicans and Zulus.
 

savage362

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My book has some "Time of first score" props up, giving better odds for every minute that passes. Taking the terrible odds for over 1 minute seems stupid, but almost guaranteed money if either team doesn't score on the first 1-2 plays. The odds get more reasonable around minutes 4 and 5, but a lot can happen in that amount of time.

With both teams having pretty good defenses, I'm thinking about taking the juice at 3 minutes and rooting for a few 4-5 yard runs to start the game and kill some clock.
 

E5 Yaz

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The closer it gets to game time, the more I'm getting a Cameron, Custer's Last Stand, Dien Bien Phu, Stalingrad, Alamo, Isandlwana vibe, with Manning and Denver playing the role of the French Foreign Legion, 7th Cavalry, French Indochina forces, German 6th Army, Texans and Britsh colonial army and Newton and Carolina playing the role of the Mexicans, Indians, Vietnamese, Russians, Mexicans and Zulus.
Sounds like a Tarrantino movie
 

Sportsbstn

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I think a bit lost in the "denver's defense is amazing crowd, is Carolina's defense ranked #3 in the NFL. Peyton has his work cut out.
 

Sportsbstn

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My book has some "Time of first score" props up, giving better odds for every minute that passes. Taking the terrible odds for over 1 minute seems stupid, but almost guaranteed money if either team doesn't score on the first 1-2 plays. The odds get more reasonable around minutes 4 and 5, but a lot can happen in that amount of time.

With both teams having pretty good defenses, I'm thinking about taking the juice at 3 minutes and rooting for a few 4-5 yard runs to start the game and kill some clock.
I played a few props, but the one I like the best: First play of the game: Run or Pass? Run -135

Carolina loves to run the ball usually starts with the run. Cam has never been in this position, so I don't think they will ask him to pass to open if they get the ball. Denver has to be able to run to win, so I think they run too right away.
 

86spike

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My head tells me Carolina should win by 10. My gut thinks this will be tight.

I am wholeheartedly rooting for the Panthers, mainly because of the Manning factor. I do want to add that our two chief resident broncos fans 86spike and j-man are as good a pair of opposing team contributors as we could hope for.

Worst of luck tomorrow, guys, but thanks for the posts.
LOL! Love you guys too! (Started drinking at 3:00)

Carolina's offensive line is a very good line. Denver has vulnerability deep and Cam can throw the deep ball. I think this game comes down to Denver's ability to score touchdowns instead of kick field goals, and I don't think they will. Carolina 30-13.
The center of their OLine is very good. Their tackles are mediocre to poor and haven't been tested by an outside rush the likes of what they'll see tonight.

I think a bit lost in the "denver's defense is amazing crowd, is Carolina's defense ranked #3 in the NFL. Peyton has his work cut out.
Check out the teams CAR played this year. Easy to rack up stats against one of the weakest schedules in the league. (Caveat: yes, thumping SEA and AZ in the playoffs is hugely to their credit despite the weak regular season opponents)

Broncos by 4.

(Started drinking at 3:00)
 

Stitch01

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Carolina 30, Denver 13 with the game opening up late. Panthers cap off one of the all time great seasons in NFL history, great season, Denver can hang their heads high getting this far with that talent
 

DeadlySplitter

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I have this weird Denver feeling. Their defense is for real. Let's see what happens if Cam gets flustered a bit.

Broncos by 4.
Cam is the biggest frontrunner I've ever seen. The guy goes into mega-celebration mode when winning and turns into a pouty 5 year old when he's losing, so this could be a factor if they get punched in the mouth right off the bat and go down 10 or 14 points right away. It's not likely to happen, but if it does it will be interesting to see how poorly Cam plays from that point with all of the pressure on him.
Well done, both of you.
 

86spike

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LOL! Love you guys too! (Started drinking at 3:00)



The center of their OLine is very good. Their tackles are mediocre to poor and haven't been tested by an outside rush the likes of what they'll see tonight.



Check out the teams CAR played this year. Easy to rack up stats against one of the weakest schedules in the league. (Caveat: yes, thumping SEA and AZ in the playoffs is hugely to their credit despite the weak regular season opponents)

Broncos by 4.

(Started drinking at 3:00)
Forgot a 1 before that 4.

I told you guys Carolina's strength of schedule was bogus!
 

TomTerrific

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Broncos by 4.

(Started drinking at 3:00)
We'll, since Dogman2 locked the other broncos related thread, I am reduced to posting here.

Congratulations 86spike and j-man. Other than you two the only solace I take in this game is that that loathsome toad Jerry Richardson didn't get to accept the SB trophy.

That's all I got
 

Sox and Rocks

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I will admit that I underestimated Denver's defense all year. I knew they were very good but I didn't think they were dominant like that. If you had shown me Denver's offensive stats for a each playoff game a few months ago, I would have said they had no chance
 

86spike

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We'll, since Dogman2 locked the other broncos related thread, I am reduced to posting here.

Congratulations 86spike and j-man. Other than you two the only solace I take in this game is that that loathsome toad Jerry Richardson didn't get to accept the SB trophy.

That's all I got

A sincere thank you!

How about Elway's second career as a GM?