Gazette staffers make bold predictions for Super Bowl 50

The golden anniversary of the Super Bowl is finally upon us. This year’s match-up between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos is an intriguing one.
And, just as everyone else has their prognostications of the NFL championship game, so does two of our very own Gazette gurus.

Tracey: Obvious Key Player: Peyton Manning
Manning, one of the best to every play the quarterback position, has become more of a game manager in the playoffs. He will need to call upon his zen-like powers to figure out a way to dissect the Panther defense and slice and dice his way to another Super Bowl title.

Raymond: Key Player (Obvious) Cam Newton
The prospective NFL MVP will need one more great game to claim the Lombardi Trophy. Denver’s defense is legit and big plays will be at a premium, so Newton will have to make smart short throws to sidelines and pick up first downs with his legs. This guy shines on the biggest stage and today shouldn’t be any different.

Tracey: Not So Obvious Key Player: C.J. Anderson
Even though he is not their number one running back in terms of carries and yards, Anderson is a dual threat in his receiving ability. Anderson will need to be a viable option on screens and check downs for Manning when the Panther defense begins to bring the heat. He will also bring an added dimension to an ever important Denver run game.

Raymond: Not So Obvious Key Player: Ted Ginn Jr.
The maligned former first-round pick and journey man wide receiver had a career season, as he pulled down 10 touchdown receptions. Those short sidelines throws Cam needs to make will be to Ginn, who has the speed advantage against Denver’s linebacker corps. Ginn is also dangerous in the return game, which has played a significant role in recent Super Bowls.

Tracey: Key To The Game: Denver’s D
Can the Denver Defense contain Cam Newton, this year’s MVP? That is going to be a tall task. However, the Broncos have the number one rated defense in the league. Denver has never faced an athlete like Newton. Wade Phillips and the defensive staff will need to bring a scheme that can limit Newton’s scrambling ability.

Raymond: Key To The Game: Manning’s Turnovers
The future Hall of Famer had 17 picks in only 10 games this season, his worst in years. He also has multiple turnovers in previous three trips to Super Bowl. Tonight he faces a defense that forced 39 and made Carson Palmer look lost in NFC Title Game. Manning will not only have to be a “game manager” but he must make at least a few big plays. Does he enough left to do that? We will see.

Tracey: Prediction Denver 21, Carolina 18
Expect a low-scoring game, with the Bronco defense bending but not breaking and allowing the Panthers only field goals. Denver will be methodical on offense with Manning taking advantage of a suspect Carolina secondary on mid-level crossing routes. Cam Newton will have to wait his turn to becoming a Super Bowl champion.

Raymond: Prediction Carolina 23, Denver 17
Points will be at a premium so expect a low-scoring affair. Manning will guide the Broncos to a few scoring drives but late in the game, the Panthers defense will hold and prevent that storybook ending everyone seems to want for Manning. He is a first-ballot Hall of Famer but a two-time Super Bowl champion he won’t be.

So, there it is, the bold predictions of a coach turned sports editor and a former sports writer turned managing editor.
Just for the record, we will not be held responsible if you lose money on our predictions.