Really hoping for Manning to pull one last one out and get a second ring which he deserves given his career. The best Qb we'll see for a while, longevity wise and as the most intelligent Qb in the league, by far. Brady's good, but in large thanks to the genius of Belichek. Manning's done it on his own (look at Indy when he got hurt) and even as the physical side has let him down.
Seems tough, but if Denver can keep Carolina at bay and within two scores or less at half, I think they have a great shot. If anyone's patient, its Manning.
Who's not patient is Newton. His whole career really, in the games I've seen him play, but even still this playoffs; he started coming unravelled halfway through the third quarter when Seattle was still 3 scores down 3 weeks ago, and he didn't play much better the rest of the way and barely held on. Once the smile is gone and the sulk starts, and he's then half the QB he could be.
Arizona the week after dug a hole, but shot themselves in the foot after it looked they were coming back, until Peterson fumbled and then Palmer throws a terrible INT which would've brought the game back to life before half.
So, if Denver can limit the big plays against early, ideally get a turnover, but in general grind it out, not get too far behind, and wait for Carolina to slip up, I think they have a great chance. Cam throws an INT early, and they're maybe in trouble early.
Out of nowhere I think Vernon Davis will have a good game. And speaking of ex 49'ers, last week they saw the good Ted Ginn, this week, Panther fans better hope the other side of Ted Ginn; the one that drops punts and gives up on routes leading to INT's, doesn't pop up today.
|