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If you're a defensive coordinator, who would you rather prepare to face, Peyton Manning or Colin Kaepernick?
The answer by a "solid majority" of 12 defensive coordinators, according to Sports Illustrated's Andy Benoit, is surprisingly Manning. Teams would rather gameplan against the future Hall of Fame quarterback who is on the cusp of 509 touchdowns than the third-year starter of the San Francisco 49ers who can beat you with both his arm and his legs.
Broncos vs. 49ers
Broncos vs. 49ers
While Manning is the king of fundamentals, preparation, and a pure "pocket passer," Kaepernick is gifted with abilities that are evolving the quarterback position in the NFL, even at the sake of those fundamentals.
It sounds harsh, but it's true: Kaepernick is iffy fundamentally with amazing athletic tools. On film it can feel like you're watching a dominant high schooler. In a way, he's the anti-Manning (though careful about labeling Manning an "iffy athlete").
Meanwhile, the Broncos boast a defense with enough playmakers to match up against the 49ers. Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware, Malik Jackson, Derek Wolfe, and Quanterus Smith will be tasked with containing Kaepernick. They must remain disciplined and smart in their pursuit of Kap, who can spin out of a sack and burn defenses for 20-plus yards with his legs. Or he can roll out of the sack and hit Brandon Lloyd 50 yards downfield with a flick of his wrist. Broncos defensive backs Aqib Talib, Chris Harris Jr., Rahim Moore, and T.J. Ward will need to maintain discipline too.
"I think Colin’s a good, young player in this league," Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio said. "He’s got feet that are fast, he’s got a good fastball when he throws it, and I think they’ve got a good group. It’s a good football team, and we’ve got a good football team, so we look forward to the competition for Sunday night."
Game time
Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. MDT on Sunday, October 19th, 2014.
Broncos vs. 49ers
Broncos vs. 49ers
TV schedule
The game will air on NBC's Sunday Night Football. Everyone gets the game this week! Denver can tune in on KUSA-TV.
Al Michaels (play-by-play) and Cris Collinsworth (color commentary) will call the game with Michelle Tafoya reporting from the sidelines.
Online streaming
SNF on NBC will stream the game live through Live Extra for free. At a premium, you can stream the game after the final whistle blows from NFL.com using Game Rewind. You can also listen live using streaming audio from NFL.com.
Radio
850 AM KOA & Sirius 92.
Fun fact
The Denver Broncos will be wearing their alternate all-blue uniforms against the 49ers Sunday. They're 8-4 all time in their Navy get-ups, including a 51-48 win over the Dallas Cowboys last year.
Injury report
Denver Broncos running Montee Ball is out with a groin injury. Danny Trevathan is not on the injury report, but he was placed on Injured Reserve with designation to return this week, which will force him to miss eight weeks. All other Broncos, including RB Juwan Thompson and CB Chris Harris Jr., are probable.
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis and guard Mike Iupati are both out for the game, and with Aldon Smith missing the game due to suspension, San Francisco will be without several Pro Bowl players. Safety Jimmie Ward is probable.
Follow it live
Live Chat: MileHighReport.com during the game
Twitter: Follow @MileHighReport
Facebook: Mile High Report
Enemy blog: Niners Nation
Odds
The Broncos are 7-point favorites against the 49ers at home, the first time San Francisco has been an underdog this year. All-time under Jim Harbaugh, the 49ers are reportedly 4-0 when at least 5-point dogs.