SAN JOSE, Calif. — For the opposition, the numbers are numbing.
The Carolina Panthers led the NFL in turnover differential (plus-20), takeaways (39) and points off takeaways (148) during the regular season. They have forced nine turnovers with 32 points off turnovers this postseason, best in the NFL.
Carolina's penchant for picking off passes and recovering fumbles could be the difference in Sunday's Super Bowl against the Broncos.
"We practice (forcing turnovers) every week and it is a big part of what we do," all-pro linebacker Luke Kuechly said. "(Defensive coordinator Sean) McDermott always talks about it, we have practice sessions on Thursdays where we are trying to get the ball out in our turnover circuit, and when a ball goes to the ground in practice, guys are running around to pick it up.