This is the first week 1 Super Bowl rematch since 1970 when the Vikings faced the Chiefs. Without a doubt, this is one of the most anticipated season openers. Lee knows how much the panthers gave up to get him.

Smothering defensive pressure yet again gained the day in last season's Super Bowl as Denver got the better of a high-octane Carolina offence with quarterback Peyton Manning putting an exclamation point on his career and disappearing off into retirement clutching a second Vince Lombardi Trophy. Carolina rested Cam Newton as Joe Webb played the entire game by throwing 17 of 29 passes for 200 yards. Only two losses all year, and a bevy of disappointment. Having a punter who can change sides of the field is a huge weapon to have on a team and the panthers expect him to be that weapon.

Kelvin Benjamin is set to make his return to the team that beat him while he was on the sidelines. In the world of professional football, that is not usually the case two years running.

The Panthers might look to combat the Broncos' blitzes with more chip-blocking by the backs and tight ends, and - as Dickson suggested - using more quick-hitting passes. Michael Oher is underwhelming at left tackle, a risky proposition for the blindside of Newton.

It's been seven months now since the devastating defeat, and Panthers coach Ron Rivera believes his quarterback's mind is in a good place. Klein has a back injury, and safety Dean Marlowe has a hamstring injury. The real season begins in January for this group.

This game is the first season opener since 1970 where it was a rematch of the Super Bowl.

Rain stops play in second Twenty20 global between West Indies and India
In the case of Sunday's game, the toss had taken place after which the decision to delay the start of the match was taken. India were set a target of 144 and would have been confident of winning the match.

"But once teams take away your ability to run the football and make you sit in the pocket and pass, then everything becomes different". Up front, the combination of Star Lotulelei and Kawaan Short is devastating.

Newton said the Panthers had to handle the Broncos' outside linebackers better than they did in the Super Bowl.

Carolina has a very palatable slate before its bye week. "It's going to take every bit of effort we got", Dennison said.

The Panthers will be tested later, though. They showed teamwork and absolute discipline but one player whose performance out shined others was Von Miller who was phenomenal in the match collecting 2.5 sacks against quarterback Cam Newton. Three additional cornerbacks were picked up by the Panthers as well. We learned previous year Newton can lead a short-staffed offence to big-time success.

Carolina's smaller receivers struggled against Denver's physical secondary. James Bradberry and Daryl Worley will have big shoes to fill with the departure of Josh Norman.

How will the secondary perform? General Manager Dave Gettleman certainly had his reasons for refusing to hand a 28-year-old cornerback as lucrative a contract as the Washington Redskins laid on the table for the Coastal Carolina graduate, but the departure of one of the defensive leaders is bound to have a negative affect for the upcoming season. "So knowing that this time around, we either gotta run shorter routes or get the ball out quicker, something like that". He's actually done some really good things. The Bengals will be good again. Tedd Ginn Jr. will be the primary target but the addition of Kelvin Benjamin who is coming back from injury will solidify the offense of the Panthers. They are the clear favourites to win the NFC South.