5 tips for watching the Panthers vs. Broncos game tonight -- from a Denver fan
Yes, I am a Denver Broncos fan. Before you judge me, know that I’m not a bandwagon Broncos backer, looking to troll the Keep Poundin’ faithful. I was born in Colorado and lived through five ignominious Super Bowl defeats. This “Simpsons” clip says it all about what it was like growing up devoted to the Orange Crush:
So, as we head into the opening game of the 2016 NFL season, I thought I might share some tips for enjoying Thursday’s big game — the Super Bowl 50 rematch between the Panthers and the Broncos — from both sides of the fence:
Embrace the Pomp and Circumstance
Whether you call it “The Revenge of the Super Bowl,” “NFL Grudge Match,” or “The Sequel,” all the hype might be a little over the top. Then again, the folks at NBC know how to get us going.
This is the first time since 1970 that the previous year’s Super Bowl combatants are squaring off in the first game of the season. The NFL knows how to create the drama, so let’s relish being in the spotlight as the nation’s eyes lock on us once again.
Find a fun place to watch the game
Are you an intensely nervous fan (like me)? Maybe you’ll do best staying home. Are you a fan that likes to high-five big plays with your friends? There are endless choices in local bars with big screens ready for you and your crew. Some options around uptown: Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, Draught, All American Pub, and Duckworth’s, just to name a few. A good option on the southern end of town is d.d. Peckers.
Follow the quarterbacks
Cam Newton is the reigning NFL MVP and well on his way to minting himself as the face of the league. How will he handle the hostile environs of Denver? How will his counterpart, Trevor Siemian, navigate his first-ever big-league start?
As for retired Peyton Manning, maybe he’ll take on Cam and start a rival chicken parm food truck?
Make Von Miller talk out of bounds
This is strictly aimed at Broncos fans here in the South. There’s no need to talk about Von Miller’s Super Bowl MVP performance (or his Madden NFL 17 ad). Perhaps it’s best if we only mention his name in the presence of Panthers fans if we’re making a joke about his epic fail on “Dancing With the Stars.”
Show good sportsmanship
I may be a diehard Broncos fan, but when my wife and I arrived here last year and attended the Panthers’ Fan Fest, we were blown away by the love of the community towards the Panthers and the team’s show of love right back. I found myself rooting for them in every game except the final one. So, whatever happens Thursday night, let’s be civil to one another, enjoy the game and wish each team success in the coming season.
Who knows, maybe we’ll get another rematch in February.
Photo: Jeff Siner/Charlotte Observer
This story was originally published September 7, 2016 at 10:01 PM with the headline "5 tips for watching the Panthers vs. Broncos game tonight -- from a Denver fan."