The day has finally arrived! After two weeks of intense preparation, Super Sunday has finally reached us. Despite the
influx of national analysts and pundits picking against the Broncos in today’s game, there’s a growing sense among Broncos Country that an upset could be in order. For the Broncos to hoist their third Lombardi Trophy this evening, there are key match-ups that the Broncos much take advantage of.
There are the obvious match-ups of Miller/Ware vs. Panthers Offensive Tackles, DT vs. Josh Norman, etc. Those match-ups will definitely play a factor in today’s game but they probably won’t decide the entire game. In today’s article, I’m going to point out three other match-ups that could prove to be the difference in today’s game. Let’s begin.
Match-Up #1: Broncos defensive line vs. Panthers Offensive Line
Much has been made about the Broncos outside pass rush, and for good reason. Von Miller and Demarcus Ware are
arguably the most talented and decorated pair of outside rushers in the NFL. Behind that dynamic duo, we find rookie 1st round pick Shane Ray, Shaq Barrett and unheralded third year pro Lerentee McCray. There’s no denying the Broncos talent at this position, but the Broncos can’t rely on these players being their only consistent pass rush in the game.
Although the outside rush proved to be effective against many other quarterbacks, Cam Newton is a different animal. The newly crowned league MVP has accounted for 45 of the Panthers TD’s this year and 10 of those have come from his legs. The Panthers running game is very sophisticated, so much so that they intentionally design runs for Cam Newton on a regular basis.
Unlike traditional pocket passers like Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger, Cam Newton is athletic enough to evade the outside rush and make a run for extra yards. As well as he’s played this year, there is one sure fire way that the Broncos can effect his game. Get pressure on the inside.
Since signing his 4 year, 36 million dollar contract weeks ago, Derek Wolfe has only furthered his case for being one of the best 3-4 Defensive Ends in football. Along with soon to be paid(hopefully by the Broncos) Malik Jackson and third year Nose Tackle, Sylvester Williams, the Broncos defensive line must find a way to push the Panthers offensive line and collapse the pocket that Cam Newton must navigate through in order to effect the game. That will be no small feat, as the Panthers offensive line as been amongst the elite lines in the NFL this season.
To be specific, five time Pro Bowler Center Ryan Kalil anchors their tremendous Offensive Line with Guard Trai Turner having his first Pro Bowl season and their other Guard Andrew Norwell posting good numbers, as well. Their interior offensive line will be as good as any line they have faced this season and will not be an easy battle to win. Fortunately for the Broncos, their Offensive Line hasn’t come across a line as talented as the Broncos this season, either.
Regardless of the outcome, this will be a battle in the trenches that will be hard fought and whoever has the better deal will play a big factor in the outcome of the game.
Match-up #2: Broncos Offensive Line vs. Panthers Defensive Line
On the flip side, we have a suspect Broncos Offensive Line facing off against a heavy hitting Panthers Defensive Line.
Lost in the defensive shuffle of the Panthers success has been the dominance of their Defensive Line. Anchored by Pro Bowler Kawann Short, this Panthers Defensive Line boasts a punishing wall of defenders that have plenty of experience to their game. On the outside, decorated veterans Jared Allen and Charles Johnson bookend the collapsing presence that Short and Star Loulelei provide on the inside.
On the other side of the line, we find the suspect and often times, inconsistent Broncos Offensive Line. Few teams have had more struggles with their line play this season than the Broncos. It’s not very often you see an offensive line have their third starting Left Tackle of the season and have that guy be arguably your best Offensive Lineman heading into the big game.
The Broncos struggles with this unit have been well documented but the good news for them is, they only have to play well for one game. If this undersized, underwhelming unit can find a way to hold of the vicious Panthers Defensive Line, then I like the Broncos chances on Offense. If they can’t slow the Panthers line down, then we may be in for a long day against that attacking Panthers Defense.
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.
The Broncos have a tough challenge today as they face this powerful Panthers team, but they can get it done and win
the Super Bowl if they take advantage of their match-ups. Regardless of the outcome, I expect this to be a very competitive game with it possibly coming down to deciding the victor in the final minutes.
As a part of Broncos Country, I salute the Broncos in all of their efforts this year and hope that they finish strong with a Super Bowl Victory this evening. I can’t wait for the game to get here and I hope that my next article here on Predominantly Orange will be about the Broncos victory in Super Bowl 50!
GO BRONCOS!!!