Panthers vs. Broncos, 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 7, KCNC-4
For the record: The Panthers (15-1) are coming off a 49-15 annihilation of the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC championship game.
Who’s hot: The Panthers’ defense forced quarterback Carson Palmer and the Cardinals into seven turnovers. Palmer alone had six — four interceptions and two lost fumbles. Panthers safety Kurt Coleman had two interceptions. Linebacker Luke Kuechly had a fumble recovery and a pick-six.
Who’s not: Carolina’s gearshift often gets stuck in neutral. In their 31-24 NFC divisional playoff win over the Seattle Seahawks, the Panthers jumped out to a 31-0 halftime lead. They allowed Seattle to score 24 straight in a comeback effort. For a team that often comes out on fire, they can take their foot off the pedal once they get a lead.
Key stat: The Panthers led the NFL with a plus-20 turnover margin, six better than the second-place Kansas City Chiefs. Denver was tied for 19th with a minus-4 margin.
FYI: The Broncos are playing in their second Super Bowl in three seasons. Carolina is making its second trip in franchise history — the Panthers lost 32-29 to the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVIII to end the 2003 season.
Injury update: Linebacker Thomas Davis suffered a broken forearm in the game against the Cardinals. He had surgery Monday and expects to play in the Super Bowl.
Coachspeak: “The lion always eats until he is satisfied. Then he sleeps. We can’t be satisfied. We just can’t.” —Panthers coach Ron Rivera, to The Charlotte Observer
