Thread: What do you think the #1 key to victory in this game is?

In everyone's opinion, what is the one thing we HAVE to do well in this game to have a chance to win?

For me, it's not turning the ball over. I mentioned this in another thread, but Carolina is #1 in scoring but not even in the top 10 in yards. They generate a lot of their points from their defense and forcing turnovers more so than by long, sustained drives. If we can go the whole game without turning the ball over, I think we have a very good shot at winning. If we turn it over multiple times, however, I think we have little to no chance. So to me that is the big key to give us a shot, not turn the ball over and win the field position battle.

What say all of you?

Pressure Newton into submission.

I'm with Wave. Win the turnover battle. Time of possession is also going to be huge.

Turnovers

Smack them in the mouth. Early and often. I said it in another thread - they'll fold like a beach chair once the Broncos hit them hard and often.

Throw dynamites in the early game. Just stop the mobile-quarterback.

I believe Antonio Smith will take it on Panthers and win for his Dad. His dad passed away yesterday.

Defense.

If we have the defense from the first couple of weeks I think we can afford a giveaway or two more than takeaways.

I thnk its been hit. I think keeping them passing, and keeping them 3rd and long...because as we've seen over our 1st two playoff games, our defense is stud on 3rd down.

If Peyton turns the ball over and gives them short scores, we are done. We don't have the offense to score... so we will NEED the turnovers and play the field position game. Force them into long fields to get into scoring position. I think Talib gets one early, and we'll need to score a TD when he does.

Contain Newton. Keep him in the pocket.

No turnovers.

Peyton needs to be efficient and no INTS.

Score more points than the other team.

Actually turnovers is probably what I'd say.

Our offensive line needs to control the line of scrimmage.

The above will open up our run game, take pressure off Manning and benefit our time of possession. Whatever we can do to keep Cam off the field is the best way for us to win.

Denver needs a gameplay similar to what they used against GB, and need to be every bit as effective with it.

Originally Posted by Grover

Our offensive line needs to control the line of scrimmage.

The above will open up our run game, take pressure off Manning and benefit our time of possession. Whatever we can do to keep Cam off the field is the best way for us to win.

^^THAT^^ I don't know if we CAN do that (we've struggled to do it since before we even SIGNED Manning) but that's how we win. It can't be Manning vs. the NFL again; that didn't work when he had a better season than any passer in history, and still won't. We MUST run block well enough to avoid our OWN 3rd and longs, and protect our aging, hurt immobile QB well enough to convert most 3rd and longs we can't avoid. The more we do those things, the less Cam matters.

I have five keys, really....

#1 BE MEAN!!! Shock them physically. But DO NOT turn the ball over.

#2 If you get a bad break, get meaner. Get angry and play harder. Take back the momentum.

#3 Run the ball effectively and convert third downs with a high percentage. This controls the time of possession, tires Carolina's defense and leaves Carolina's high powered attack frustrated standing on the sideline.

#4 Disciplined Defense! Get inside pressure with Wolfe but stay disciplined against Carolina's gaurds when they try to push out. This contains Newton in the pocket but avoids running lanes up the middle. Denver does not want to let him advance easy chunks of yardage up the middle because we're speed rushing the tackles into the backfield. That being said, if he rolls out, Miller needs to do his thing.

#5 If you get a lead, do not relax. Carolina often scores points unanswered and in chunks. See: turnovers.

Denver needs a full team effort on both sides to win this game. If it comes down to a final drive, I trust our defense and secondary to make a big play. If it comes down to Manning, I am confident he'll come through one last time.

Turnovers are my number one as well. I'd say stopping the run would be a close second. If they're churning out yards on the ground, not only will it be easier for them to convert third downs, but it gives Newton the opportunity to make big plays down the field. Make him pass more than he's comfortable with and we should be fine.