Stampede Blue - Super Bowl 50: Broncos, Panthers set to face off in the Super BowlAn Indianapolis Colts bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/29818/stampedeblue_fave.png2016-02-08T08:00:06-05:00http://www.stampedeblue.com/rss/stream/106970252016-02-08T08:00:06-05:002016-02-08T08:00:06-05:00Super Bowl sent message to Colts: pass rush is key
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tHRJSagi3aX6OJZ7F5lvHd5zabg=/0x150:2848x2049/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48754861/GettyImages-508983054.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ronald Martinez/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Broncos' win over the Panthers in the Super Bowl sends a clear message to the Colts: pass rush is a crucial part of a successful football team.</p> <p>If there was one thing that was incredibly clear while watching the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> take on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">the Super Bowl</a>, it was this: pass rush is really important.</p>
<p>For the Broncos, <span>Von Miller</span> starred and was rightfully named Super Bowl MVP, recording 2.5 sacks, two quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles while also making six tackles and breaking up a pass. For the Panthers, <span>Kony Ealy</span> would likely have been named MVP had Carolina won, as Ealy recorded three sacks, two quarterback hits, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, two tackles for loss, a pass defended, an interception, and four tackles.</p>
<p>As a team, the Broncos recorded seven sacks, four forced fumbles, and 13 quarterback hits, while the Panthers recorded five sacks, two forced fumbles, and five quarterback hits. It was a game very much dominated by the defenses and, more specifically, the pass rushes. That was true of the entire playoffs too, as the Broncos and the Panthers both excelled in the area. In three postseason games, the Broncos recorded 14 sacks, 33 quarterback hits, and six forced fumbles. Likewise, the Panthers also played in three postseason games and recorded 13 sacks, 25 quarterback hits, and four forced fumbles. I hope you get the idea: pass rush was a crucial part of each team's playoff run and, ultimately, was what helped lead Denver to the Super Bowl championship.</p>
<p>It was hard to watch it from a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a>' perspective, then, and think anything other than this: the Colts really need pass rush help. That has been evident for the past several seasons when watching the team play, but it was once again clear on Super Bowl Sunday. Some may suggest the offensive line is the biggest issue, but I will continue to say what I've said for a while: the pass rush is the Colts' biggest area of need.</p>
<p>In 2015, the Colts struggled to rush the opposing passer. <span>Kendall Langford</span> and <span>Robert Mathis</span> tied for the team lead in sacks with seven each, while nobody else had more than three. The Colts pass rush never really took over a game, besides for a few moments here or there (the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Buccaneers</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a> games are the only ones that seem to have had any of those moments). In other games, such as the ones against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> or the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a>, the Colts failed to generate any pressure. It was a very up and down year for the unit filled with plenty of downs and few ups, and that's the way it has been for the past several seasons.</p>
<p>The moves the Colts have made have not worked out. <span>Trent Cole</span>, signed to be a pass rusher, failed to produce. <span>Bjoern Werner</span>, drafted to be a pass rusher, failed to produce. <span>Jonathan Newsome</span>, expected to take a step forward in his sophomore season, instead regressed. It wasn't supposed to be Robert Mathis, 34 years old and coming off of a torn Achilles, shouldering the pass rush load, but that's what it turned into.</p>
<p>New defensive coordinator <a href="http://www.stampedeblue.com/2016/1/12/10753194/colts-defensive-coordinator-ted-monachino-says-pass-rush-is-priority-number-one" target="_blank">Ted Monachino is on record as saying the pass rush is his number one priority</a>, as that area will directly impact other areas, such as the secondary and their coverage. He's exactly right, and improving the Colts' ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks would be the single biggest boost the team could get heading into 2016 - besides, of course, the return of <span>Andrew Luck</span>.</p>
<p>We saw during the Colts' incredible run of success in the <span>Peyton Manning</span> era just how good and dangerous a great pass rush duo could be, as <span>Dwight Freeney</span> and Robert Mathis caused havoc for opposing quarterbacks. We've seen during the past few years how damaging the lack of a pass rush can be for a defense. And we saw very clearly in the Super Bowl that pass rush plays a huge part in building championship teams. As the Colts were watching the Broncos win on Sunday night, we can only hope that they noticed the same thing.</p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2016/2/8/10934876/super-bowl-sends-clear-message-to-colts-pass-rush-is-crucialJosh Wilson2016-02-07T23:10:01-05:002016-02-07T23:10:01-05:00Manning caps "trifecta" weekend for Colts
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iol_4LxBJnoHp6WBoBiPRdMSNlc=/0x0:4215x2810/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48754311/GettyImages-508990854.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Patrick Smith/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Marvin Harrison called it the "trifecta" for the Colts and that's exactly what happened this weekend - Harrison and Tony Dungy were elected to the Hall of Fame and Peyton Manning won his second Super Bowl. Certainly, this was a special weekend for Colts fans.</p> <p>Besides for a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> victory, this weekend couldn't have been better or more special for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> fans.</p>
<p>On Saturday, two of the biggest contributors in franchise history - <span>Marvin Harrison</span> and Tony Dungy - were elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2016. On Sunday, the greatest contributor in franchise history - <span>Peyton Manning</span> - won his second Super Bowl to likely ride off into the sunset as a champion.</p>
<p>"I told [Manning], today we need the trifecta," <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641927&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.indystar.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fnfl%2Fcolts%2F2016%2F02%2F07%2Fmarvin-harrisons-work-ethic-rewarded%2F79987256%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stampedeblue.com%2F2016%2F2%2F7%2F10934612%2Fpeyton-manning-super-bowl-win-caps-off-trifecta-weekend-for-colts-marvin-harrison-tony-dungy" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Harrison told the Indianapolis Star's Stephen Holder before the game</a>. "You have myself and you have (Tony) Dungy (in the Hall of Fame). We need to top it off and get the trifecta for the city of Indianapolis this weekend, even though he's playing for Denver. It would mean a lot for me and my family and the city. So, I told him he needed to make that trifecta happen. It was short and sweet."</p>
<p>That trifecta that Harrison talked about was realized on Sunday night, as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a> defeated the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Panthers</a> in dominating fashion, winning 24-10 behind an incredible defensive effort. Manning was simply along for the ride, but as the confetti fell in the moments after the game, none of that mattered. In what was very likely his final NFL game, Peyton Manning had the storybook ending that so few get - he rode off into the sunset on top.</p>
<p>The Colts will have their moments with the new era, and probably a number of them. There's a real good chance that <span>Andrew Luck</span> and the Colts will get to at least one Super Bowl, and there will be plenty of time to celebrate the achievements of this current era. But this weekend was all about the past for the Colts and about celebrating the greatest era in franchise history. While the NFL celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Super Bowl, the Colts celebrated the memories created by Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Tony Dungy, and so many others. It truly was a special era, and that's what made it such a special weekend for Indianapolis and for Colts fans.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A perfect weekend for us. A Colts reunion and seeing Peyton win another ring! <a href="https://t.co/5UTdoFfE0y">pic.twitter.com/5UTdoFfE0y</a></p>
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyDungy/status/696540363704524800">February 8, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2016/2/7/10934612/peyton-manning-super-bowl-win-caps-off-trifecta-weekend-for-colts-marvin-harrison-tony-dungyJosh Wilson2016-02-07T22:52:36-05:002016-02-07T22:52:36-05:00Jeff Saturday congratulates Peyton Manning after Super Bowl<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/DaveFurst/status/696537527986036736">Jeff Saturday congratulates Peyton Manning after Super&nbsp;Bowl</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>Former Colts center Jeff Saturday greeted Peyton Manning on the field following Manning's Super Bowl victory.</p></p></div>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2016/2/7/10934682/jeff-saturday-congratulates-peyton-manning-after-super-bowlJosh Wilson2016-02-07T22:49:38-05:002016-02-07T22:49:38-05:00Pat McAfee tweets perfect response to John Elway's "This one's for Pat" line<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/PatMcAfeeShow/status/696539387262332928">Pat McAfee tweets perfect response to John Elway's "This one's for Pat"&nbsp;line</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>Colts punter Pat McAfee tweeted a perfect and hilarious response to John Elway's "This one's for Pat!" line post-game honoring Broncos owner Pat Bowlen.</p></p></div>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2016/2/7/10934670/pat-mcafee-tweets-perfect-response-to-john-elways-this-ones-for-patJosh Wilson2016-02-07T22:24:00-05:002016-02-07T22:24:00-05:00Manning, Broncos win Super Bowl with great defense
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6bYFMO1p4ydPIjliuWSt1HsW3NQ=/0x0:3035x2023/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48754047/GettyImages-508981974.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ezra Shaw/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-10 tonight in Super Bowl 50 behind a dominating defensive effort, sending Peyton Manning off into the sunset with a championship.</p> <p>Storybook endings rarely happen in sports. We witnessed one of them happen tonight, as one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the game won his second <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl" class="sbn-auto-link">Super Bowl</a> in what was very likely his final game. This wasn't the <span>Peyton Manning</span> we're used to, however - this was a Peyton Manning who struggled to move the football and instead opted to put it all on his defense.</p>
<p>Just like it has all season, that proved to be the best strategy. The <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Broncos</a> defense overwhelmed <span>Tom Brady</span> and the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Patriots</a> in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/afc-championship-game" class="sbn-auto-link">AFC Championship</a> game with a dominant pass rush, and they lived up to the hype tonight. Wade Phillips' unit took over the game like few we've seen in recent years, applying constant pressure to <span>Cam Newton</span> and blanketing the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Panthers</a> receivers. Final score: Broncos 24, Panthers 10.</p>
<p>It was a defensive battle all around, as both units played very good games tonight. The Broncos' defense, was simply fantastic, and they did enough to lead the Broncos to the victory in scoring a defensive touchdown and forcing four turnovers. <span>Von Miller</span> further solidified his status as one of the best players in the game currently with an incredible performance today, recording 2.5 sacks and making an even bigger impact.</p>
<p>The story of the day, however, belongs to Peyton Manning. One of the best players in NFL history, who had the worst season of his career, finally got a defense good enough to carry him to a Super Bowl. The Broncos did just that, and Manning can ride off into the sunset with his second Super Bowl victory. It's a perfect ending, even though the Peyton Manning we saw today wasn't anywhere near the Hall of Famer he is. He knows that he rode his defense to this point, but that's perfectly fine: he gets the opportunity to go out a champion. It's the culmination of an extraordinary career, and it's incredibly well-deserved.</p>
<p>The Broncos are Super Bowl champions behind an incredibly dominant defense, winning a title for their veteran quarterback in what was likely his final NFL game. Yes, folks, storybook endings sometimes do exist.</p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2016/2/7/10934560/peyton-manning-broncos-win-super-bowl-50-behind-dominating-defensive-effort-panthersJosh Wilson2016-02-07T18:04:51-05:002016-02-07T18:04:51-05:00Super Bowl 50: Broncos vs. Panthers Open Thread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xheB8hjqsDi63EspBlpfpe1i4LU=/0x0:2575x1717/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48752811/usa-today-9101639.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Here's your open thread for Super Bowl 50 as the Denver Broncos take on the Carolina Panthers.</p> <p>Today is the day. We're getting close to kickoff of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl" class="sbn-auto-link">Super Bowl</a> 50, featuring the AFC Champion <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Broncos</a> and the NFC Champion <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Carolina Panthers</a>.</p>
<p>Of course, <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Colts</a> fans have a big rooting interest in the game even though their team didn't make it, as the greatest player in franchise history will be looking for his second Super Bowl title. Broncos quarterback <span>Peyton Manning</span> has had a very rough season, but Denver has won two playoff games behind a dominating defense and a turnover-free Manning. Now, Manning will be playing in his fourth Super Bowl and, in what is perhaps his last ever NFL game, will be looking to add another Super Bowl ring to his resume.</p>
<p>It won't be easy, however, as the league's MVP this year in <span>Cam Newton</span> leads the top-ranked offense against Denver's top-ranked defense. Newton has been absolutely tremendous this year, presenting perhaps the toughest test yet for the Broncos' vaunted defense.</p>
<p>As much as I want <strike>the Broncos</strike> Peyton Manning to win, I'm picking the Panthers in this one, 28-24. I think it will be a closer game and I think the Broncos defense will be able to keep them in the game, but I just think <span>Cam Newton</span> will find a way to make enough plays to win it (and I'm picking Newton as the MVP, by the way). Of course, I also picked the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Patriots</a> to beat the Broncos in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/afc-championship-game" class="sbn-auto-link">AFC Championship</a> game, so hopefully I'm wrong about this game too.</p>
<p>Either way, it should be a good game and a big event as it's the 50th Super Bowl. Here's your open thread to discuss the game, but first, here's some need-to-know information:</p>
<p id="paragraph5"><b>When: </b>Sunday, Feb. 7, 6:35 p.m. ET</p>
<p id="paragraph6"><b>Where: </b>Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif.</p>
<p id="paragraph7"><b>TV: </b>CBS</p>
<p id="paragraph8"><b>Announcers: </b>Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, Tracy Wolfson</p>
<p id="paragraph9"><b>Online: </b><a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/superbowl/live/player" data-ref-index="23">CBS Sports</a></p>
<p id="paragraph10"><b>SB Nation team sites:</b> <a href="http://www.milehighreport.com/" data-ref-index="24">Mile High Report </a>| <a href="http://www.catscratchreader.com/" data-ref-index="25">Cat Scratch Reader</a></p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2016/2/7/10933520/super-bowl-50-broncos-vs-panthers-open-threadJosh Wilson2016-02-07T17:49:07-05:002016-02-07T17:49:07-05:00Marvin Harrison chatting with Peyton Manning before Super Bowl 50<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/JoshWilsonSB/status/696465196714500096">Marvin Harrison chatting with Peyton Manning before Super Bowl&nbsp;50</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>CBS caught Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison chatting with former teammate Peyton Manning before Super Bowl 50.</p></p></div>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2016/2/7/10933502/marvin-harrison-chatting-with-peyton-manning-before-super-bowl-50Josh Wilson2016-02-07T17:41:28-05:002016-02-07T17:41:28-05:00Marvin Harrison in attendance at Super Bowl 50
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JTyr5qDStCoSl6tAFtGSS4Lc7TQ=/6x0:2409x1602/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48752801/GettyImages-508980376.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ezra Shaw/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>According to the Indianapolis Star's Stephen Holder, even though former Colts receiver Marvin Harrison wasn't in attendance when announced among the Hall of Fame Class of 2016, he will be at Super Bowl 50 and will be introduced there.</p> <p>Two <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> legends, <span>Marvin Harrison</span> and Tony Dungy, were elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2016 yesterday, but Harrison wasn't in attendance when the group was introduced at the NFL Honors show. Later, at a press conference with the Class of 2016, <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.stampedeblue.com/2016/2/6/10929402/marvin-harrison-on-hall-of-fame-election-its-definitely-an-honor-colts" target="_blank">Harrison was called on the phone and initially didn't realize who it was</a> until Colts owner Jim Irsay managed to talk with him and get an answer out of him.</p>
<p>Though Harrison wasn't a part of the festivities on Saturday night, however,<a href="https://twitter.com/HolderStephen/status/696172328724500481" target="_blank"> the Indianapolis Star's Stephen Holder reports</a> that the Hall of Fame will fly Harrison in so that he can be at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> 50 and be recognized then.</p>
<p>The Hall of Fame Class of 2016 will be honored during tonight's Super Bowl between the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a>, and it sounds like Harrison will be there. Not only will he be able to be a part of the Hall of Fame recognition and be with that group, but he also will be able to watch his former teammate <span>Peyton Manning</span> try to win his second Super Bowl.</p>
<p>Harrison was on the team with which Manning won his first title, as the Colts won Super Bowl XLI to finish the 2006 season. Manning to Harrison became the greatest and most prolific quarterback/wide receiver duo in league history, and the two of them put up incredible numbers and made countless incredible plays. It's very cool and fitting for Harrison to be able to be at the Super Bowl - as a recent Hall of Fame selection - to watch Manning play in his fourth Super Bowl and try to win his second.</p>
<p><b>UPDATE: </b> Yeah, he's there.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">CBS just showed Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison chatting with former teammate Peyton Manning before Super Bowl 50. <a href="https://t.co/YNLYPDNNVl">pic.twitter.com/YNLYPDNNVl</a></p>
— Josh Wilson (@JoshWilsonSB) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshWilsonSB/status/696465196714500096">February 7, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</p>
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2016/2/7/10933178/marvin-harrison-will-be-in-attendance-at-super-bowl-50-hall-of-fame-coltsJosh Wilson