New England Patriots: Broncos remain strongest AFC foe
Despite losing key players on both sides of the ball, Denver is still a key player in the AFC for the New England Patriots.
We made it friends. Football is back; soon, Patriots football will be back too.
The Super Bowl 50 rematch between the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers marked the start of the NFL season. The Broncos beat the Panthers for the second straight game. This time by the score of 21-20.
Going into the season, Denver was expected to continue to be the biggest obstacle for the New England Patriots in making a return to the Super Bowl. After the season opener, Denver proved exactly that.
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The Panthers showed the league that Denver’s pass rush is probably not as strong as it was last season but even after losing Malik Jackson and Danny Trevathan, the defense will still be one of the best in the entire NFL. The defensive backfield is still scrappy and will make plays when an opposing team gives them the opportunity. The defensive front is still elite with the pairing with Von Miller keeping the edge and Derek Wolfe’s penetration into the backfield.
The Broncos offense appears to have taken a step forward. Trevor Siemian looked better than expected in his first NFL start. He made some athletic throws and took advantage of simple throws created by a solid offensive game plan crafted by Head Coach Gary Kubiak. He was 18 for 26 with 178 yards through the air. He threw for a score and two interceptions.
Denver’s offense began to show signs of taking on Kubiak’s identity as a rushing attack led by CJ Anderson. Anderson scored two touchdowns in the final quarter including a touchdown on the ground with 9:26 remaining in the fourth quarter marking 14 unanswered points by the Super Bowl champions.
The reigning NFL MVP, Cam Newton, was stalled in the second half. Newton was shaken up and was limping on the sideline but did not miss any snaps in the game.
Denver hosts Indianapolis next week. Carolina hosts San Francisco.