Denver Broncos vs. Carolina Panthers Week 1 Preview

Key Matchups:

Broncos Defense vs. Cam Newton

The Denver Broncos did a spectacular job in the Super Bowl, limiting Cam Newton from being able to scramble out of the pocket and making plays with his feet.

If the Denver Broncos are going to start their title defense with a win, they are going to need a repeat performance.

And with players like Demarcus Ware and Von Miller hunting the quarterback like a shark does its prey, then this should not be difficult. However, Newton does have Kelvin Benjamin back from his season ending injury. So another weapon for the league MVP last season.

But Cam Newton will also have the No Fly Zone to contend with, so it will not be a cake walk when it comes to throwing the football.

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Trevor Siemian vs. Panthers Defense

Perhaps the biggest question that has come from this opening game is Trevor Siemian starting in his first NFL game. And his first opponent is not exactly a walk in the park.

The Carolina defense is pretty solid with playmakers like Luke Kuechly, Todd Davis, and Kony Ealy. The defense did suffer a setback with the departure of Josh Norman to the Washington Redskins after a franchise tag dispute that had the Panthers remove the tag making him a free agent.

But this team is no joke, especially with Kuechly able to play in coverage and rush the quarterback from the middle of the field.

All Siemian needs to do is play smart and protect the football. As long as he can do that, he should not have a huge issue with getting the win.

Next: X-Factor