Super Bowl: Mike Tolbert doesn’t care about Peyton’s rodeo

Carolina Panthers RB/FB Mike Tolbert had some choice words when asked about whether or not this would be Peyton Manning’s ‘last rodeo’…

I wouldn’t exactly call it smack talk, but obviously nothing is going to be handed to Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. Running back/fullback hybrid Mike Tolbert, formerly of the San Diego Chargers, is certainly not going to be handing out any favors…

Well, fine then.

Although, if Tolbert doesn’t feel Manning is entitled to a title (see what I did just there?) in his last season (we presume) then why would the Broncos feel like it’s the Panthers’ turn?

No.

There are players on the Broncos that are in the exact same situation as Tolbert, and basically every other player on the Panthers’ roster. Players that are hungry for a championship. The fact that Manning has ‘only’ won one is irrelevant. This is going to be a battle, and it’s going to be a lot different from the last time the Broncos were here.

Last time, the Broncos were not equipped defensively to stand toe to toe with one of the toughest heavyweight fighters in the league and exchange blows.

They didn’t exchange much of anything, they really just took a beating.

This time, the Broncos are equipped to deliver a beating. They are equipped to respond to a hook straight to the jaw. This is a team that has won a TON of close games, and I rarely type words in all caps. They know how to get it done late, they know how to close, and they know their identity as a squad.

The Panthers do too.

So, Mike Tolbert, Peyton Manning isn’t owed anything. But the Broncos aren’t going to hand you over anything either simply because you feel it’s ‘your turn’.