SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- In this pass-happy NFL, in which the 4,000-yard season is almost the norm -- 12 quarterbacks topped the mark this season -- Super Bowl 50 is proof there is still room for defense at the grown-up table.
In fact, neither of Sunday's starting quarterbacks -- Cam Newton or Peyton Manning -- threw for 4,000 yards this season. It will likely be the defense of the Denver Broncos or the Carolina Panthers that decides the big game.
The Broncos finished the regular season No. 1 in total defense, No.