The matchup screams mismatch. The Broncos’ dynamic receiving duo, Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, is a handful for the best veteran cornerbacks. The Carolina Panthers, who travel to play the Broncos on Thursday night in the NFL opener, are likely to counter with two cornerbacks who haven’t played a snap in an NFL game.

With much of the Broncos offense’ centering around C.J. Anderson and the running game, Thomas and Sanders won’t demand as much attention and should have opportunities to school their rookie opponents: James Bradberry, a second-round pick from Samford, and Daryl Worley, a third-round pick from West Virginia.

“I don’t take anyone lightly. Sometimes the young guys are the ones that are out trying to prove themselves. They’re trying to make a name for themselves,” Sanders said. “Those guys are probably over there thinking like: ‘Man, I’m facing Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas. This is my opportunity to go out and show the league. Hey, take me seriously.’

“I’m going to treat them like they’re Darrelle Revis and Richard Sherman. I’m going to go out and try to ball and get as many plays as I can.”

“They are going to put them in good positions,” Thomas added. “They are going to be able to make plays and have help underneath.”

The Panthers’ secondary is about the only area dramatically different from last season. Three of Carolina’s four new projected starters are defensive backs. Third-year cornerback Bene Benwikere and veteran Robert McClain, a starter in the Super Bowl, also are expected to see significant playing time. But the secondary doesn’t scare offenses as much without star cornerback Josh Norman, who is now in Washington.

Rookie cornerbacks are a common target for quarterbacks. Even a green quarterback such as Denver’s Trevor Siemian probably will want to test the corners’ readiness quickly with a deep ball or two. Sanders and Thomas aren’t underestimating Bradberry and Worley. Neither are the coaches.

Bradberry, who wears Norman’s No. 24, came from a small school but has impressed the Panthers’ coaches all summer. Worley was one of the NCAA leaders last season with six interceptions, showing strong ball skills.

“They’re both talented. They’re both long and they can run. They’re around the ball,” Broncos offensive coordinator Rick Dennison said about the 6-foot-1 rookie corners. “I like to look at the scheme and overall what’s going on.”

The scheme is a crucial factor for Carolina’s defense. The Panthers play primarily zone coverage. More often than not, their cornerbacks’ responsibilities will either be dropping into a deep third zone, focusing on not letting anything get behind them, or dropping into a short flat zone, manning short passes toward the sideline. Rarely will they be asked to chase Sanders and Thomas across the field.

Several teams across the NFL play a zone scheme, but the Panthers are particularly effective because of a front seven that Broncos coach Gary Kubiak calls the most difficult he has had to plan against. Their defensive line is stout against the run and pass. Linebackers Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis and Shaq Thompson cover like safeties but tackle like linebackers.

Early success in downfield passing to Thomas and Sanders will give Siemian quick confidence and help develop a much-needed rhythm, but despite Carolina going with a pair of young corners, it might not be easy pickings.