The Denver Broncos are back in the Super Bowl for the second time in three years, and they're determined to right their preceived wrongs by beating the Carolina Panthers, winning another championship for Peyton Manning during the twilight of his career. However, winning the Super Bowl is never an easy task for anyone. Here are four things the Broncos need to do to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in two weeks:
4) Establish a running game
Remember how fantasy football owners cried and moaned over CJ Anderson's lackluster start to the 2015 season? Adjustments on the offensive line and a rekindled edge put rocket boosters on Anderson's cleats at the end of the campaign, as he's led the NFL in yards per carry (6.12 ypg). As the Broncos look to protect Peyton Manning, they'll lean on Anderson and Ronnie Hillman to wear down Carolina's front seven. If they can do that, Denver's offense will have a relatively easy time moving the ball.
3) Get a good game from Peyton Manning
Manning's 17 regular-season interceptions, a nagging foot injury, and decreased arm strength have been the stories of this season, but Peyton is one of the most stubborn players to ever lace up his cleats and is well aware of what this game will mean to his overall legacy. He played surprising well against the Patriots and is determined to end his career on top of the football world.
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2) Win the turnover battle
Carolina has turned both of their playoff games into absolute laughers (with the exception of the second half against the Seahawks) because of their ability to force turnovers and turn them into points. They've forced a nine turnovers in the postseason, getting 24 points off those turnovers. The Panthers rely on winning the turnover battle, but failing to do so often throws them out of rhythm on both sides of the ball. Denver can't afford to give Carolina free points while giving away momentum.
1) Get pressure on Cam Newton
While the offense has been in a state of flux both in the run and passing games all year long, the defense has asserted itself as the premier unit in all of the National Football League. The Broncos finished the season leading the NFL in sacks (52), yards allowed per game (283.1) and more important for this game, the number one defense against the pass in terms of yards per game (199.6).
If Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware, and everyone else could rattle and shut down Tom Brady the way they did, imagine what they can do to Cam Newton. Miller and Ware have the speed to keep him in the pocket and hit him like he hasn't been hit all season.
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