Manning vs Newton set to thrill as nation counts down to Super Bowl 50

The age gap between quarterbacks is as big as it’s ever been. Super Bowl 50 will see 39-year-old Peyton Manning take on 26-year old star Cam Newton, in what could prove to be the Denver quarterback’s last ever game. The Broncos take on the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara in the biggest televised event in world sport. The countdown begins now.

Denver crashed to defeat two years ago in the face of the mighty Seattle defense, but pundits believe this year the tables are turned. Now it’s the Broncos with the best statistical defense in the league, facing a Panthers team heavily reliant on offensive weapons Jonathan Stewart, rookie wide receiver Devin Funchess and top wide receiver Ted Ginn.

Ticket prices for this year’s event are, predictably, through the roof. StubHub, the ticket reseller, reported a California resident purchased four tickets for the big game at over $24,000 each.  Another punter was reported as having paid even more – a pair of tickets at $27,983 a pop. It seems for some people, money is no object in respect of the game’s greatest showpiece.

The weather forecast is set to be fine for this coming Sunday. In news sure to gladden fans and spectators, a temperature of near 70 degrees is expected, with sunny skies and light winds forecast. Conditions like this are sure to set the stage for an epic duel between veteran Manning and hotshot Newton.

Broncos’ quarterback Manning has appeared in three Super Bowls, yet boasts only one winning ring. The Indianapolis Colts beat the Chicago Bears in 2007 in Manning’s sole success. He lost with the Colts in 2009, then moved to Denver, who were crushed by Seattle 43-8 in Super Bowl XLVIII.

For Carolina’s Cam Newton the experience is new, but many feel the 6th black quarterback to start a Super Bowl in 50 years has the steel, speed and power to  deliver on Sunday.