RADIO
Who are the biggest potential busts for Super Bowl 50? Look no further. Below I have highlighted three players who are Grade-A prime candidates for dudding it up in the year's biggest game.
I've done my analysis, and shared my thoughts as to why these players may have a slow day at the office. Do you agree, disagree? Hit me up on Twitter @EdwardGorelik and let me know your thoughts.
So without further ado...
1. Demaryius Thomas (WR, DEN)
At this point it's clear that Thomas has become the second fiddle in this passing attack. Despite being one of the leagues premier threats, his skills are just not fitting with a dingy, banged up Peyton Manning. More than anything, his inability to adjust to poorly thrown balls (especially in comparison to Emmanuel Sanders) has kept his ability to provide to this offense down.
At this point, and this is going to drive a lot of argument, Eric Decker would likely be better here than Demaryius. It's likely that in the Superbowl Thomas will be facing Josh Norman, elite CB, while Sanders sees time in the slot to stay away from Norman. Not a recipe for a win as i see it, so don't let him near your wings.
2. Jonathan Stewart (RB, CAR)
This is a bit of a stretch, but Stewart has the risk of being completely taken out of the game this weekend. Denver has been one of the best in the league at keeping RBs from having big games against them this year. Along with being one of the best defenses against the run overall (4th in DVOA) the Broncos allowed the 3rd fewest runs of over 20 yards in the regular season and gave up an average of 3.3 YPC (best in the league).
The only stat on Stewarts side is that the Broncos gave up 10 rushing touchdowns this year (tied for 17th with 7 other teams) but it's not a stretch to imagine that any goal line rushing touchdown will likely come from Dab Newton rather than Stewart.
3. Peyton Manning (QB, DEN)
I'm expecting that Peyton doesn't go off into the sunset with a horrible Superbowl performance but when looking at this game is it hard to imagine an incredibly low scoring Superbowl? This is the #1 and #2 DVOA defenses in the NFL. Both defenses gave up less than 20 points per game during the regular season. While Cam's floor and ceiling stay healthy given he's nearly a lock for any sort of touchdown that comes to the Panthers, can you say the same for Peyton?
He'll be the big contrarian thought this weekend but there isn't a lot of things on paper that make you feel good about taking him. With a horrible offensive line in front of him, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him under pressure often and struggling. At the same time, one vintage Peyton performance might still be out there waiting for us to hold onto one last time. I think a lot of C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman are in the game plan instead though.
As for the actual game though, like I said, I expect a low scoring affair. Whatever team wins is likely whichever team manages to score over 20 points. As much as I want to see Peyton ride off as a hero, my bet's on Cam Newton and the Panthers. I'm calling my shot here: 27-19, Panthers.
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