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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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Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi
Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi /

Derek Wolfe

Wolfe is the Broncos starting defensive end and he has grown into a great player, who keeps flying under the radar. He specializes in his ability to stop the run, but can add pressure on opposing quarterbacks. His big game comes in more ways than just one.

In the run game, Wolfe has to be stout like he normally is. If he can do what he does and control the run game to his side, it will take a lot from the Panthers offense. Wolfe was able to do this in the Superbowl, and you could see the chains it put on the Panthers offense.

Trai Turner is one of the best run blocking guards in the NFL, which causes one interesting matchup between Turner and Wolfe. Both excel in the run game and no slouches when it comes to the passing game. This is a battle to keep an eye on all game.

Another way Wolfe will need to have a big game is, obviously, in the passing game. Now for him to have his big game here, it doesn’t mean he has to apply a lot of pressure or get a lot of sacks. What it means is he has to open lanes and space for the pass rushers to do their job.

Playing in front of Von Miller can make Wolfe devastating. If Wolfe can have his big game, he could free up Miller to wreak havoc. These two players combine to do that, and we will see a lot of what we saw in the Superbowl.

Next: Outside Linebackers

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