The Panthers’ offense performed poorly in the Super Bowl and will have to step up in order to start the season 1-0. Instead, it’ll be Trevor Siemian, who’ making his first National Football League start (and history). The change of the quarterback will absolutely be one of the keys for the Broncos if they are going to succeed this season.
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So the kid in suburban Orlando, Fla., regarded in 2009 by recruiting website Rivals.com as only the 39th best pro-style high school passer, who made his college debut two years later in garbage time against Eastern Illinois (and its quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo), now gets his first pro start piloting the defending Super Bowl champs, on the NFL’s brightest September stage.
Which Cam Newton will we see this time?
Fast facts: This is the first Super Bowl rematch played on Kickoff Weekend since 1970. Anderson opens with a stiff test against a Panthers defense that has perhaps the league’s best front seven. With a new-look group minus cornerback Josh Norman, the Panthers’ secondary is not as intimidating from behind center. Prior to appearing in three preseason games, Siemian’s only action involved taking a knee as the Broncos headed to halftime of last year’s Week 15 game in Pittsburgh.
“Cam has matured so much”, said safety Tre Boston, “and it’s not like he was immature when I got here (in 2014)”. Do your job, win your one-on-ones, and the rest will take care of itself.
The roster is finalized, practice squad set, extensions completed. Siemian still has great receivers in Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, but it is a wonder if he can get them the ball. I also like the Titans as a super-sleeper team this year, so I’m going to be bold and give the Titans the mild upset here. Denver only tallied 141 yards through the air in February. Here’s all you need to know about the game.
The Panthers come into Denver as a three point favorite.
Left tackle Ty Sambrailo will not be in uniform for Denver against the Carolina Panthers, leaving the Broncos short on the offensive line. Too bad this did not happen in last years’ Super Bowl 50. That run included a share of work in the passing game and six rushing touchdowns in his final eight games, including the postseason.
The NFL season opener is here and we get a Super Bowl rematch.
Said fullback Mike Tolbert of Newton’s dedication during this past summer: “Same grit, same grind”.
Thursday’s prime-time TV game will air on NBC with Al Michaels on play-by-play, Cris Collinsworth on color commentary and Michele Tafoya as in-game reporter.
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Stewart and the running back corps will need to fight for yardage on first and second down against the Broncos’ stymie defensive line to avoid third-and-long situations. Newton has huge receivers in Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess plus tight end Greg Olsen who can win one-on-one if protected. During the preseason, Siemian was 19 of 23 on throws of less than 10 yards, including one touchdown and zero interceptions.
