3 Keys for the Third Ring

Match-Up #3: Greg Olsen vs. the Broncos secondary

Much will be made about how receivers on both teams will match-up against the opposing secondaries but I think the

real key to slowing down the Panthers offensive attack is to successfully defend Greg Olsen. Their leading player in receptions and yards, Olsen has posed a dangerous threat to opposing Defenses at all levels of the field this season. He may not be Rob Gronkowski, but his presence on the field is not far behind Gronk’s in terms of preparing for their game.

With all due respect to Carolina’s receiving core, they may be one of the worst groups, in terms of talent, that we’ve seen all season.  That is a receiving core that plays a feast of famine style of game and has often been the biggest beneficiaries of opposing defenses trying to stop Greg Olsen.  Fortunately for the Broncos, they have the players on the outside to successfully slow down any of the Panthers receivers. The big question though is, who covers Olsen? The answer may not be in one player, but several.

Depending on the type of play and formation that the Panthers use, it may have to be a combination of a linebacker, corner and/or a safety to provide the proper coverage that will slow down Olsen. Covering the Tight End position has been one re-curring issue for the Broncos defense throughout the years and it is a big threat that will be posed to them today. I am confident that Wade Phillips and his Defensive staff have a game plan to slow down the Pro Bowl Tight End, but it’s up to the “No Fly Zone” and the occasional help from a linebacker to slow down the dynamic pass catcher.