SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Denver Broncos and their top defense haven't seen anything quite like Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers, the No. 1 scoring offense in the league.
The Panthers (17-1) are on a roll, jumping on playoff opponents early. The primary question on Sunday might not be whether they'll win the franchise's first Vince Lombardi Trophy, but if they'll hand the Broncos another Super Bowl blowout.
"I think it's his moment," Panthers coach Ron Rivera said of Newton, "as well as it's our moment,"
Although Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware said he's "not really worried about (Carolina's) offense," the potential is there for this one to get away, especially if the Panthers get off to another hot start like they have in their two previous postseason games and force Peyton Manning to become one-dimensional.