The
Broncos have what teams build an ideal championship defense around. They have two great edge rushers in
DeMarcus Ware and
Von Miller, two inside guys who cause a lot of problems in
Derek Wolfe and
Malik Jackson and an elite group of corners (
Aqib Talib,
Chris Harris and
Bradley Roby). All of this provides the ability to do some creative things with schemes. Not to mention, Denver has
T.J. Ward as a headhunter in the middle.
Even though the
Panthers are superior at the linebacker position with
Luke Kuechly and
Thomas Davis, the overall talent of the
Broncos' unit is astounding.
I'd take the
Panthers' defense for one reason. It's not so much breaking down each defense, but what you have to defend. Right now, it's easier to defend
Peyton Manning and the
Broncos' offense than it is to defend
Cam Newton and what he does.
The
Broncos have a little bit more experience and are anchored by Miller and Ware. Those two can't be replaced and are a big reason why Denver's defense is as good as it is. The way they shut down Brady and the
Patriots was quite impressive.
I have to go with the
Panthers. When you continually find ways to get turnovers, you're giving your offense more opportunities to score. The
Panthers have done that all year and have scored on defense, too. When you do that, you're going to win games.
Denver's defense has it all. The
Broncos have three or four good -- if not great -- pass rushers, safeties who can cover, and linebackers who can tackle and cover, as well. Carolina has a lot of good pieces, but the
Broncos are a lot more balanced overall.
