Carolina Panthers travel to Denver Broncos in repeat of the Super Bowl
Friday 9 September 2016 06:21, UK
The NFL returns with a repeat of Super Bowl 50 as the Carolina Panthers target a revenge win over Denver Broncos, live on Sky Sports 1.
It was February when Peyton Manning led the Broncos to Super Bowl victory, dashing the hopes of regular season MVP Cam Newton and Panthers fans everywhere.
What's changed?
Manning has retired and back-up Brock Osweiler rejected a new contract, moving to Houston and leaving the Broncos with a quarterback-shaped hole in their offense.
Seventh-round pick Trevor Siemian won the preseason battle and will become the first QB to open the season with the Super Bowl champions having never played a snap in the NFL.
On defense, Malik Jackson left for the Jaguars, while Von Miller became the best-paid defensive player in NFL history, but the rest of the No 1-ranked defense has stuck together.
In Carolina, the biggest departure was pro-bowl cornerback Josh Norman. After initially receiving the franchise tag, Norman was released and signed with the Washington Redskins.
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Wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin, who missed the entire 2015 season, returns to give Newton another weapon.
Biggest match-up
The difference in quarterback play could not be more stark. The showman and dual threat Cam Newton, who is as dangerous on the run as he is throwing down field, will have Miller, DeMarcus Ware and TJ Ward fired up to spoil his party.
In comparison, Siemian will have to learn fast as the Panthers pass rush is one of the sharpest in the league.
The Panthers have brought in three rookie corners to replace Norman and, if Siemian can find his receiver core, the Broncos could exploit the inexperience in Carolina's secondary.
Whichever defense comes out on top holds the key to winning this match-up.
Watch the Denver Broncos against Carolina Panthers from 1.30am this Friday, live on Sky Sports 1.
