A lot has changed since the superbowl for the Broncos. Mainly in the presence of Manning on the offensive side of the ball. Bad play or not, he brought a mindset.
Not so much has changed for the Panthers......or has it?
Josh Norman is by far the big offseason story for the Panthers. Norman could play on an island with the leagues elite. Depending on the players brought in to replace Norman.....this could be a big factor.
This is going to be a tough game for the Broncos. Alot will depend on the 12th man imo. If Cam needs to go to a silent count, this will give us a big boost on defense. Missing Malik Jackson in the run game will tell alot too.
The Panthers defense vs the Broncos offense. One has to give the edge to the Panthers D, afterall, we dont know what we have in the Broncos offense. That being said, they have little tape on what they'll see. Im not going to discuss all the ins and outs, I want to leave that for discussion.
Broncos defense vs the Panthers offense. The edge goes to Denver, especially at home. However.....will the Broncos offense be able to give some rest to the D by sustaining drives? If that happens, the game is over, Denver wins. But we will be in flux at Oline......QB......TE and FB.
We'll need a heckuva preseason to be able to step up to the Panthers D. (there I am discussing the offense again) Will leave for discussion.
Special teams......Denver has the edge. The return games are offsetting, but I think we edge out in coverage and kickers.
Coaching: Wash. Rivera has done a great job playing his team to their strengths. Kubes offense will be in year two, as will Wades defense.
Ive just gotten the discussion started......and now my prediction:
Broncos 24
Panthers 17
I would NEVER predict a Broncos loss.....its a PREDICTION.
But if I look at everything on paper alone, I think that theres a huge edge at the QB position for Carolina. And when theres a huge edge at the QB position and both teams have a great defense........you gotta see the Panthers as favored.....a tiny bit just as Vegas has them. The 12th man will be the difference.......or not.
I was front row for the AFC Championship game when Brady had to go to the silent count. We were yelling our heads off.
Lets not let Cam be able to hear during his time on the field!!
Your thoughts and predictions?
I imagine things will be different by week one, but it will be fun to see if any of us change our positions after we see the preseason.
heh heh