One year ago I began fantasizing about who would play in the only Super Bowl without a Roman numeral. I thought that because it was going to be played in the 49ers stadium, it would be fitting to see San Francisco and the Pittsburgh Steelers compete for the title. Both are legendary Super Bowl champions.

Early in the 2015 season it became apparent that my dream would not come true. A new coach in San Francisco attempted to change the way his star quarterback played the game. Pittsburgh experienced injuries to key players, but nearly attained its goal, eventually losing to the Denver Broncos in the playoffs.

Denver went on to play in the Super Bowl against the team which had the best season during the year, the Carolina Panthers.

The Panthers were the obvious favorite. They were playing a team with a quarterback, who, although he was a living legend, was nearing 40 years of age. They displayed the fact that both their offense and defense was capable of the ultimate victory.

The Panthers have a young and extremely talented quarterback, Cam Newton, who was declared the league MVP for 2015. Newton’s only shortcoming is his lack of maturity.

Peyton Manning didn’t need to win the game; his defense accomplished that for him. Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips fashioned a game plan similar to the one which defeated the reigning champions, the New England Patriots. Seven sacks, and multiple hits to Newton resulted in his play being ineffective. The only touchdown for Denver was by the defense when Newton fumbled and the Broncos recovered the ball in the end zone.

Manning will be credited for winning his second Super Bowl, equal to his brother, Eli, and most likely played his final game in the NFL.

Super Bowl 50 will become a fairytale for fans because a Hall of Fame quarterback played his final game in uniform in the biggest game of the year and was victorious. Those of us who had the privilege of watching Manning throughout his career will share in the story, but remember that it was the defense which must receive the adulation of fans.

The only disappointments came from Newton, when he failed to make an attempt to recover a fumble, and once again after the game. The brash, young quarterback failed to act with dignity and class. He failed to praise the efforts of the Broncos, and failed to defend the play of his own team. For fans of the greatest game in the world, this will cement their previous impressions of Cam Newton.

For all fans, this will be a very memorable Super Bowl and worthy of most of the pregame hype. It presents a perfect moment for a Peyton Manning retirement speech. Leaving the game on the highest point possible would only add to his legacy and fame.

The pregame offered fans a chance to recognize all of the previous 49 Super Bowl MVP’s, and culminated with an inspiring National Anthem sung by Lady Ga Ga. It ended with an NFL icon standing on the podium raising the Lombardi Trophy.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Photo Courtesy of Jeffrey Beall

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