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Broncos: Five Players who need to have a Big Game to Beat Panthers

By Gordon Trickel

Nov 15, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett (48) and outside linebacker Von Miller (58) and nose tackle Sylvester Williams (92) and defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) await the start of down in the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett (48) and outside linebacker Von Miller (58) and nose tackle Sylvester Williams (92) and defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) await the start of down in the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos offensive tackle Michael Schofield (79) and offensive tackle Louis Vasquez (65) against Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt (91) during the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos offensive tackle Michael Schofield (79) and offensive tackle Louis Vasquez (65) against Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Stephon Tuitt (91) during the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Michael Schofield

Set to start at right guard, Schofield has the disdain of many Broncos fans. His performance last year at right tackle has lead to this disdain, fueled by a four sack game to Khalil Mack. However, during their Superbowl run, Schofield played great and the reasoning is quite extraordinary.

For the regular season the coaching staff didn’t notice a flaw in his technique, until their bye week in the playoffs. They put in the work to fix it, and Schofield actually became a solid offensive linemen. That helped them tremendously on their way to winning their third Lombardi trophy.

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Now the coaching staff has had a full offseason of work to put a permanent fix on that flaw, and with preseason play, it clearly panned out. Even at tackle his play was solid, despite some mistakes made. When at right guard, however, Schofield was excellent. He was the best offensive linemen from the preseason.

Many people have tried to shun his preseason performance because, well, it was preseason. That doesn’t mean it can be ignored. He started two games at right guard, facing first stringers, one of them Aaron Donald who is one of the best 4-3 defensive tackles in the NFL. Schofield won that battle. Easily.

The Panthers bring another test for Schofield, and it will be the first time he is tested for a full game. Being deep on the defensive line for the Panthers isn’t doing Schofield any favors. Kawann Short and Star Lotulelei are their starters with rookie Vernon Bulter being their primary backup. If Schofield can hold his ground and control those three at the line, the Broncos may have a chance.

Next: Derek Wolfe

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