The 2016 NFL season is finally here and with a matchup like Carolina vs. Denver, football fans could not have asked for a better game to kickoff the season.

This game has endless storylines going into it, making it one of the most anticipated openers in NFL history. A rematch of last year’s Super Bowl, Trevor Siemian’s first career NFL start, even the return of the 2015 MVP Cam Newton; this game is a beat reporter’s dream.

Here are three keys to victory for the Broncos in their first game of the season.

1. Control the tempo:

With essentially a rookie QB under center, the Broncos are going to try and keep the pressure off of Siemian. If Denver can get the classic Gary Kubiak-offense rolling and have success in the ground game, their chances of winning this game go up drastically. C.J. Anderson got paid like an elite back last offseason, it is time for him to play like one.

Carolina has one of the best defenses in the league. They are fast, aggressive and do not miss tackles. If the Broncos cannot move the ball on the ground and the Panthers are able to pressure Siemian, this offense is going to struggle.

If the Broncos are able to run the ball effectively and use play-action to create opportunities through the air, it will open the playbook up immensely. Especially on the outside, where Carolina has a pair of rookie corners.

Defensively, the Broncos will want to pressure Cam Newton up the middle and force him to make accurate throws against the secondary. If Newton is contained in the pocket, the Broncos will be in the best position to defend against the big play.

2. Use special teams to make an impact:

This game features two of the most impressive defenses in the league, so field position will be huge. Riley Dixon has huge shoes to fill in the punting game and after struggling in the final preseason game, all eyes will certainly be on the rookie punter.

If Dixon can flip the field and back up Carolina deep in their own zone, the defense will take care of the rest.

Offensively, take any points you can get. Brandon McMannus was one of the better kickers in the league in 2015 and was really the only consistent aspect of the Broncos offense. With a cannon of a leg, McMannus is a real weapon in the thin Mile High air.

Finally, can somebody make a play in the return game? Other than brief success with Trindon Holliday, it seems like the Broncos have not had a solid return man in over a decade. Jordan Norwood was able to break off for a 61-yard punt return in Super Bowl 50; the Broncos need a lot more explosive plays like that in 2016.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QDBmgWqh6E

3. Do not beat yourselves:

If this sounds simple, it’s because it is. The Broncos were one of the most aggressive teams in the league last year and that tenacity is what ultimately led them to a Super Bowl victory. However, the team crossed the line at certain points and stupid penalties really hurt the team at times.

Limit personal fouls and under no circumstances, should a player poke another player in the eye. If the defense eliminates the dumb mistakes but produces at the elite level they did last year, this team will be pretty tough to beat.