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5 Lessons the San Francisco 49ers Can Learn from the Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos

By Peter Panacy

Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers center Daniel Kilgore (67) prepares to hike the ball in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers center Daniel Kilgore (67) prepares to hike the ball in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) has his pass knocked down by Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) has his pass knocked down by Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

Defense Wins Championships… Still

The age-old NFL hyperbole actually rings true after all. Even in this day and age of player protection, offensive-happy rules and high-flying statistics, the Broncos showed everyone around the league that defense truly does win out when utilized properly.

Carolina led the league on offense last season with 500 points scored. Offensive coordinator Mike Shula’s unique and complex offensive game plan confused and overwhelmed opponents in all but one game between Week 1 and the NFC Championship.

And yet it was all for naught against the Broncos’ elite defense. This was a unit second to no one in yards allowed last year.

Denver held Carolina to just 315 yards during the game.

In contrast, the Broncos managed only 194. But their defense forced four turnovers, sacked Panthers quarterback Cam Newton six times and never had to put their aging quarterback, Peyton Manning, into a situation where he had to win the game.

Yes, defense still wins championships.

Now this can be troublesome to the 49ers despite the adage about defenses. San Francisco head coach Chip Kelly is known for running an offense that exposes a defense. That may work in the regular season — see Manning’s Indianapolis Colts or the 2013 Broncos — but rarely does it translate to postseason success.

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So the 49ers may be facing a conundrum. How can the Niners defense get back to its recent glory while still enjoying the benefits a Kelly-based offense has to offer?

And will the lack of talent on both sides of the ball be detrimental during these early stages?

It’s going to be a tough journey ahead for the 49ers. And one without any clear answers at the moment.

But San Francisco has a blueprint on record. And it comes courtesy of what the Broncos did to earn the highest of accolades in Super Bowl 50.

Next: Is 2016 49ers General Manager Trent Baalke's Last Stand?

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.