It’s an annual, glorious Gift to the Nation – better yet – to the World. This year’s milestone Game (aka “Fifty Shades of Super Bowl”) promises to be Big, and far from Short. The NFL is hoping for huge ratings, a Pitch Perfect, controversy-free National Anthem performance from Lady Gaga, and certainly no Concussions. #SB50 will be telecast Straight Outta Santa Clara – Home of the 49ers and right along the San Andreas fault. And everyone will be watching, including your Sisters, U.N.C.L.E, and that Lady in the Van who lives down the street.
This game may mark The End of the career of Legendary Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning (Age 39). His 17 Years in the league have probably gone by in a Flash for him. Fans will likely have Goosebumps watching Peyton throw for the final time. One thing we know for sure, he can’t Run All Night. And he could throw a few bad passes Into the Heart of the Carolina defenders, which could be intercepted. For now, Manning is keeping his retirement plans a Secret, only to reveal the Truth when he feels it’s Time. But he is old. Will he be The Good Dinosaur on Sunday or struggle as he has at times this season? Manning is surrounded by some Youth, and so Super Bowl L (the proper title, by the way) won’t be A Walk in the park for Panthers QB Cam Newton, who continues to play by the Creed: have fun out there!
The Super Bowl 50 logo is covered in Gold, so expect confetti in that color to be prepped for launch The Night Before. Predicting Super Bowls does Get Harder every year. Both teams are in Hot Pursuit of the Lombardi Trophy, neither wanting to finish Second Best. The key: Focus. There’s no Room for error and they can’t Escape the pressure. Millions of digital images of the game will be taken – Pixels floating everywhere. Could there be a safety on the first play? Could the lights going out? What if there’s an earthquake? Will Beyonce’s wardrobe be Inside Out? I’m just hoping for a Fantastic Four quarters.
Neither the Broncos nor the Panthers will be Trainwrecks on the field, or Panned on social media. I’d Love to see Peyton be crowned MVP for a Job well done…if it’s his final game, but I wouldn’t Hate to see Carolina win it all, too. It’ll be a close one. The Spectre of it all should be amazing. And thankfully the Patriots aren’t playing so neither team has to worry about a Bridge of Spies taping their practices this week. I see a tight game late and then… The Force Awakens, and the Broncos defense makes a big play, leading to a Joyful celebration for Denver following a 28-24 victory, ending Manning’s career (one of The Longest Rides in NFL history) on a high note.
And If I’m wrong, you can call me a Dope.