During the pregame shows for the Championship games, the majority of the ‘experts,’ which consisted of former players and coaches, declared that the New England Patriots and the Arizona Cardinals would be playing in Super Bowl 50.

Only a few of us who do not rely on assistants to relay information about the games, and actually watch the contests, have the knowledge to predict the outcome of the games.

I predicted that the Denver Broncos would defeat the one-dimensional New England Patriots if they challenged Tom Brady. When he is harassed by the opposing team he is relegated to the position of an ordinary quarterback.

Carson Palmer was a great quarterback in college, but failed consistently in the NFL. The defeat Sunday evening was expected by myself and others who actually watch the NFL, and don’t get paid to report the outcome; ‘that’s why they play the games.’

The basics were obvious. Carson Palmer had failed with Cincinnati and Oakland. There was never a concern about his ability to deliver the football, but his immobility and decision-making were always in doubt.

During the 2015 season he had success with the Cardinals, but in the AFC Championship game he failed once again to take his team to the ultimate game.

Palmer’s counterpart, Cam Newton, was underestimated by the NFL elite. I predicted that the Panthers would defeat the Cardinals by at least two touchdowns. I don’t need to tell you the results of the fiasco which was the NFC Championship. The final score was Carolina 49 and Arizona 15. The game was never in doubt.

The early game was the contest predicted by everyone. The difference maker was Wade Phillips, the Broncos’ Defensive Coordinator. He out thought Bill Belichick and left quarterback Tom Brady soiled and bleeding.

The one thing the ‘experts’ were right about is that it was a battle between two Hall of Fame quarterbacks. Brady had his moments but Manning proved once again that he is a true ‘coach on the field.’ The fact that the game was only decided by a failed two-point conversion is testament to two teams who never surrendered.

Sadly, the Arizona Cardinals were overmatched. Although I predicted that the Panther would win by two touchdowns, I was wrong. Carolina won by 34 points.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Photo Courtesy of Jeffrey Beall

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