NFL: Win or Lose, the Panthers and Broncos are Headed in Different Directions
With the Super Bowl approaching, as a football fan, I find myself very conflicted. On one hand the Super Bowl is approaching and if this game is anything like the Patriots/Seahawks thriller from last season then it would be a fitting end to a great season.
On the other hand, after the Super Bowl, we have a lull period until free agency and the NFL draft in which we have no football. While the casual fan will see this as a lull period, more experienced fans will see this time as a glimpse into the future of each franchise.
Carolina made small deals (Ted Ginn Jr, Michael Oher) that paid off handsomely (although I should point out that previous contracts given out have assured the Panthers will not be big players in Free Agency). IIn addition, the Panthers have drafted really well the past few years (Newton, Davis, Kuechly, short, etc….).
The Broncos, on the other hand, relied on free agency to build a team. From signing Demarcus Ware, Emanuel sanders, TJ ward, Aqib Talib. Then using the draft to build depth within the roster (Brandon Roby, Shane Ray, and Sylvester Williams).
While there is merit in both approaches to team building, which franchise is better suited for the long run? This season will certainly be Peyton Manning’s last season if the Broncos win the Super Bowl, and perhaps his last season in a Broncos uniform if the Broncos should lose. Brock Osweiler looked good in stretches, but will he have the same team?
Carolina will have cheap talent under control for the next several years but if Carolina hits another home run in the draft, and the NFC South continues to lack the consistency from year to year, Carolina will be a playoff team for the foreseeable future.
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