Carolina CB Josh Norman vs. Denver WR Demaryius Thomas: In Carolina's scheme, Thomas points out that Norman likely will have help in coverage from safety Roman Harper. Thomas set the Super Bowl single-game receptions record with 13 two years ago. Norman has blossomed into one of the game's top cornerbacks after being selected in the fifth round out of Coastal Carolina in 2012.
Carolina MLB Luke Kuechly vs. Denver RBs Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson: Kuechly is the heart and soul of the Panthers' defense. He's strong against the run and can also drop adroitly into coverage. Hillman and Anderson must be contained in the Broncos' outside-zone running scheme. They combined to rush for 1,583 yards and 12 touchdowns during the regular season. Anderson has averaged 4.6 yards per carry in the playoffs.
Carolina LT Michael Oher vs. Denver OLB DeMarcus Ware: The Panthers will slide the pass protection to help Oher slow the dangerous Ware, who had 7.5 sacks in the regular season. He's preparing to see Ware and Von Miller at times in special situations. "(They are) tremendous pass-rushers and great players," Oher said. "They really get after it. We've been watching film on them, and they do a great job at a lot of different things on their entire defense."
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