The Fan’s Keys to the Game — Broncos vs. Panthers
Sep 6, 2016, 5:52 PM | Updated: Sep 8, 2016, 2:03 pm
What do the Denver Broncos need to do to make sure Trevor Siemian succeeds in his first NFL start? Does Von Miller and the Denver defense need to step up? What do we need to see out of the Broncos rushing attack?
We answer all those questions and more, 45 minutes after EACH HOUR, during The World’s Longest Pregame Show on Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan.
That’s 36 keys in total, as we ramp up to the NFL opener on Thursday Night Football between the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers.
WHAT TO KNOW: The World’s Longest Pregame Show, hosted by Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan.
Here’s our keys to the game:
1. Trevor Siemian against Carolina’s secondary
Is this a chance for Broncos starting quarterback, and second-year pro, Trevor Siemian to come out of the gates and throw the ball against a young Panthers secondary?
2. Broncos interior offensive line vs. Carolina’s defensive line
If this young Broncos offensive line doesn’t keep the depth for quarterback Trevor Siemian, it could be a long night against Carolina’s stout defensive line.
3. Make Carolina one dimensional
Can the Broncos defense dominate the Panthers offense the same way they did in the Super Bowl?
4. Cam Newton’s deep passing ability
Will the return of Kelvin Benjamin give the Panthers offense the boost it needs to hold up against the Broncos secondary?
5. Denver has 30 or more runs, 30 or fewer passes
Against Carolina, Denver should run the ball and limit going through the air to stay balanced, take the heat off a young quarterback in Trevor Siemian, and play the field position game.
6. Win plays in plus territory
Denver needs to control the field position game and win on Carolina’s side of the 50-yard line.
Can the Broncos offensive line keep second-year quarterback Trevor Siemian upright against the Panthers’ stout defense?
Denver can overcome a turnover over or two, as long as it’s not one of those deflating ones, like a pick six.
9. Stop the run
No only do the Broncos have to stop Mike Tolbert and Jonathan Stewart, but they have to account for Cam Newton on the ground also.
10. Spy Cam Newton
The Broncos shut down Cam Newton on the ground in the Super Bowl. Can that effort carry over into the 2016 opener?
The Broncos need to be who they are, to play right at that edge but not quite over it.
12. Make Mike Remmers’ head spin again
Von Miller, who terrorized Carolina on the way to becoming the Super Bowl 50 MVP, needs to make Panthers tackle Mike Remmers feel some deja vu.
13. Pick on Carolina’s young corners
Look for Denver to exploit the inexperience of Carolina’s rookie starting cornerbacks.
14. Stuff the run
Denver needs to stay disciplined in the run game, especially with a rushing attack featuring not only Jonathan Stewart and Cam Newton.
15. C.J Anderson over 100 yards
C.J. Anderson surpassing the century mark spells success for the Denver Broncos.
16. No interceptions for Trevor Siemian
Can Trevor Siemian, making his first NFL regular season start, avoid throwing an interception?
17. Don’t let Greg Olsen beat you
Carolina’s Greg Olsen is one of the best tight ends in the game today, and he could be an X-factor against Denver.
The Broncos need to remain disciplined and contain Cam Newton when it comes to his threat on the ground.
Both sides of the ball need to excel on the line of scrimmage for the Broncos to win the way they want to win.
The Broncos won Super Bowl 50 due, in part, by winning the turnover battle. Can they carry that over into Thursday’s game?
21. Make Cam Newton uncomfortable
The Broncos need to focus on keeping Cam Newton off balance and making the quarterback feel the pressure inside the pocket.
22. Limit the Panthers’ big plays
Carolina could make things difficult by converting big plays, forcing Denver off its game plan.
23. Broncos must have the better run game
If the Broncos want to win against the Panthers, they’re going to have to be the better running team, and thus control possession and the clock.
24. Home field advantage could be the difference
In a game that could be close late, the Broncos could need to rely on playing at home to outlast the Panthers.
25. Carolina’s defense of the dink and dunk
Will Denver be able to dink and dunk against Carolina, one of the best underneath cover teams due to the speed and ability of their linebackers?
26. Not getting overhyped after pregame
Denver has to embrace the celebration without wasting all of their energy.
27. How does Cam Newton respond after his Super Bowl behavior
Has Cam Newton learned from how he reacted after the Super Bowl 50 loss to the Broncos?
28. Defending Carolina’s trick plays
Carolina might be the best trick play team in the NFL, largely due in part because of Cam Newton’s abilities.
29. Score on defense or special teams
Whether it’s a fumble recovery, pick six, safety, or return, Denver needs to take the pressure off quarterback Trevor Siemian by scoring elsewhere than on offense.
30. Win in the red zone and on the goal line
Whether it’s scoring touchdowns instead of field goals or holding Carolina’s offense in the red zone, Denver needs to play its best in the most important part of the field.
31. Get a few explosive plays on offense
It’ll be difficult for Denver to go on long drives, so explosive plays on offense is key to picking up points.
32. (Check back here each hour we break down the keys to a Broncos victory over the Panthers)
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