Broncos Fanzone: Interview with Courtney Finnicum

In our Super Bowl edition of Broncos Fanzone, I got the chance to sit and talk with Courtney Finnicum and get her takes on Super Bowl 50 between the Broncos and Panthers.

Well everyone, it is almost that time. Just a couple more sleeps until Super Bowl 50. The Denver Broncos will be playing in this glorious moment in NFL history. However, the task will be a big one as the Carolina Panthers will be their opponent.

It is the ultimate showdown. Peyton Manning vs. Cam Newton, No. 1 Offense vs. No. 1 Defense. It just does not get any better than this. There are many storylines that you can just pick one and write about it.

The biggest questions of the year will be answered. Will Peyton Manning go out on top? Will the Broncos be remembered as the best defense in NFL history? We will find out very soon.

For this edition of the Broncos Fanzone, I got to talk with Courtney Finnicum, who is perhaps one of the biggest Broncos fans that I have met. Her knowledge is also quite remarkable when it comes to the team.

So Courtney, it is very exciting that the Broncos will be going to their second Super Bowl in three years. Who would you give the most credit for the team getting to this game?

“Without a doubt it’s the defense. I have been a Bronco fan my whole life and this is by far the best, most ferocious defense I’ve seen in my lifetime. They never take the foot off the gas–there is no such thing as a prevent D with them. They’re No. 1 for a reason.”

Could not agree more Courtney. This defense has truly been something amazing this season. With players like Von Miller, Demarcus Ware, and others playing at a high level, this defense is on the verge of history.

With how this season has gone, I asked Courtney whom she would give the MVP award to for the Broncos.

“I’d like to give the entire defense the MVP! Von Miller has virtually been unstoppable. Last weeks Championship game against Brady and the Patriots was one of the best performances I’ve ever seen in a Bronco uniform.”

“I’d also like to give defensive coordinator Wade Phillips MVP for putting together this defense and putting together schemes that Jack Del Rio could never do.”

Von Miller has been quite the player this season. In a contract year, Miller has proven time in and time out how much of an impact he has on this Broncos defense. There is no doubt in my mind that he will be paid. As for Wade Phillips, having pretty much the same defense Jack Del Rio had and making it even better is quite the accomplishment.

This Broncos season has been filled with many special moments. I asked Courtney if she could pick one moment that was truly special to her as a Broncos fan, what would that moment be?

“The last game against San Diego when Peyton Manning came into the second half and led the team to victory. It gave that sputtering offense a much needed spark, and it showed Kubiak and the Broncos that Peyton still had “it” and we needed to see that going into the playoffs.”

“We needed a veteran presence at QB instead of the inexperienced Osweiler. And it was for the #1 seed and home field advantage! Huge all around. “

Great moment. Seeing Manning take the field in the final regular season game of 2015 was a very special memory. While no one blames Osweiler, (if it was not for him, the Broncos would not even be in this position) it was understandable why Kubiak made the change. A spark was needed. And with a good opportunity on the line, the move was necessary.

Now we can finally get to the game. Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers is not going to be a walk in the park. The team finished 15-1 this season. How do the Broncos contain this team in order to get the win?

“The Broncos defense hasn’t faced a QB like Cam this year. Very important for the defense to figure out a way to contain such a mobile QB like Newton. Broncos offense cannot turn the ball over–if they fall behind and need to play catch up that could be an issue. No stupid mistakes.”

That is perhaps the biggest thing the Broncos need to do. Do not fall behind early. Watching some game film, I have noticed that the Panthers excel better when playing with the lead. Other than the divisional round game against the Seattle Seahawks, they do better when playing with the lead.

If the Broncos can trade blow for blow with the Panthers, I would say they have a good chance at getting that final elusive win that the team has done only twice in their franchise’s history.

Alright Courtney. It is time. We’ve seen so many people pick against the Broncos. We are the underdogs in this Super Bowl. Do you have a final score? Any bold predictions?

“I try to steer away from making any bold predictions. I like the fact that they’re underdogs. Broncos have always responded well when their backs were against a wall. Just play smart football. Final score Broncos 21-17.”

Next: Matt Forte interested in Denver?

Great pick Courtney. And I thank you for taking the time out to talk with me about this game. We shall see what happens on the biggest stage of the NFL. Let’s go Broncos!