Key Matchups:
Broncos Defense vs. Cam Newton
I believe that every Broncos defensive player can agree that Cam Newton is the most challenging quarterback to defend. For a guy that can play the dual threat at the position is never easy to plan against.
He can beat you in so many ways, so the Broncos need to be disciplined if they are going to have any chance of containing him.
The one thing that worries me about facing Newton is his ability to take off. Hopefully they learned what Russell Wilson did two years ago and can use that game film to plan.
I think the biggest thing they can do to defend Newton is to create interior pressure while he is in the pocket. With guys like Sylvester Williams, Malik Jackson, and Derek Wolfe playing the interior, they should be able to get the job done.
Demaryius Thomas vs. Josh Norman
This could be the biggest wide receiver vs. cornerback matchup of the entire game. Norman has been talking about covering Thomas while the Broncos wide receiver has told reporters that “he will let his play do the talking.”
In Super Bowl 48, Thomas had a career game that was overshadowed by the blowout. And while Thomas has been quiet in the postseason (six catches for 52 yards) he knows a thing or two about coming up big in big games.
Norman is one of the best corners in the league right now and for good reasons. But I honestly believe that he can be beaten. Thomas has the skill set to do that. If I am watching any matchup in this Super Bowl, it will be this one.
Next: X-Factors