Good Morning, Country.
In Super Bowl XXXII, an underrated linebacker from Kutztown batted away a fourth down pass from Green Bay Packer's quarterback Brett Favre in order to secure Denver's 31-24 victory with just seconds remaining. A year later, John Elway was Super Bowl XXXIII's MVP and secured his place in history and rode off into the sunset hoisting another Lombardi Trophy with the team's 34-19 triumph over the Atlanta Falcons.
As former Broncos Head Coach Mike Shanahan once famously said, "Big time players make big plays in big games." — Undoubtedly, the Broncos are going to need maybe not one, but multiple breakout performances by under the radar performers to secure their third title and claim victory over the Panthers in Super Bowl 50.
According to Sam Cowhick of Mile High Sports, he believes the offensive and defensive lineman for the Broncos will be the biggest players whose performance will dictate the outcome of the game.
It is hard to disagree with his assessment. Most every game is decided by who plays better in the trenches and Super Bowl 50 will likely be no different. The Broncos offensive and defensive fronts have big-time match up's and will have to play their best game of the season in order to surge Denver to victory over Carolina in the biggest game of the year.
Can the Broncos' offensive line stop the fierce defensive front four of the Panthers? Will Denver's defensive front be able to rattle Cam Newton and make him feel uncomfortable in the pocket? These are big questions that will be answered on the field in four days.
But here is my question to you, Broncos Country — who is going to be Denver's Super Bowl 50 hero that turns the tide of the game in their favor? Which player(s) will cement themselves in Broncos history and football lore for years to come? Sound off in the comments section and by voting in the poll below.
As always, thank you for reading. Now enjoy a Super Bowl 50 power-packed edition of Horse Tracks this Wednesday morning.
Horse Tracks:
Denver's Super Bowl mission can't afford many more glitches | Mile High Sports
"Houston, we’ve had a problem." Whether you were raised during the heyday of the Apollo missions, Apollo Creed or Showtime at the Apollo, those five familiar words echo with gravity connoting the direst of circumstances.
Bold Carolina Panthers continue to remain supremely confident | Mile High Sports
Walking away from their media obligations on Tuesday, it was clear this Carolina team has massive confidence it will win Super Bowl 50.
Gary Kubiak-John Elway bond hatched Broncos' Super Bowl run
Why are the Broncos in Super Bowl 50? Many cite the top-ranked D or Peyton Manning's reinvention. But Judy Battista credits two longtime friends -- Gary Kubiak and John Elway -- rejoining forces.
Kubiak: I've done things 'different' since health scare
Gary Kubiak has been universally praised by his players this week, but it was fair to wonder -- 13 months ago -- if he'd ever be a head coach again.
Broncos: No psychological Super Bowl XLVIII hangover
With the Broncos back in the Super Bowl, the team is trying to block out what happened to them two years ago in Super Bowl XLVIII. Have the players moved on the from the blowout loss?
Peyton Manning found comeback aide in Jordan Taylor
Rookie WR Jordan Taylor helped Manning round back into form after his extended time off.
Broncos' Aqib Talib proves middle school teacher wrong
Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib's wrote a paper in middle school about being an NFL player. It got him suspended. Now, he is having the last laugh.
Denver Broncos offensive lineman Evan Mathis explains what Media Day is like for a player
Broncos guard Evan Mathis writes first-person story on his wacky Media Day experience
Super Bowl 2016: How will the Denver Broncos stop Cam Newton?
So far this season, 18 times an opponent has tried to stop Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, and they have failed all but once.
Broncos using Brock Osweiler, Trevor Siemian as Cam Newton stand-ins with drawbacks
If the Broncos had a playbill, it would spell out their casting choices: "And playing the role of Cam Newton will be Brock Osweiler, with understudy Trevor Siemian."
Denver Broncos' runners could be key in Super Bowl 50
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning will be in the spotlight at Super Bowl 50, but the Broncos' hopes could rest with Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson.
Club Shiznit showcases Panthers' lighthearted attitude
The Carolina Panthers are far from home this week, but that hasn't stopped them from creating a makeshift club in their San Jose hotel that allows them to maintain an upbeat and lively team atmosphere.
Cam Newton: Everything 'outside the play' is just fluff
Cam Newton is adept at navigating through the modern media jungle, but the Panthers quarterback understands what's truly important to his success -- the four to six seconds after the snap.
Vinny Curry agrees to 5-year, $47.25M deal with Eagles
Defensive end Vinny Curry has agreed to a five-year, $47.25 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, NFL Media's Albert Breer reports. His new deal includes $23 million guaranteed.
Cleveland Browns will cut Johnny Manziel on March 9
The Cleveland Browns will cut quarterback Johnny Manziel when the new league year begins on March 9, Ian Rapoport reports. Off-field incidents have plagued Manziel during his time with the Browns.
Jim Irsay: Andrew Luck healthy, in line for new contract
Colts owner Jim Irsay confirmed Tuesday that Andrew Luck is fully healthy and in line for a lucrative new contract. Will Luck become the highest-paid player in the NFL?