Something Cam Newton said has Broncos LB Von Miller all fired up

• Miller says he felt "challenged" by the brash talk
• The two top picks in the 2011 draft meet on the field Sunday for the first time (except the Pro Bowl)
• Miller had one of his best games last week, with three sacks against the Bengals

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Even through the months of hype leading up to the 2011 draft, Von Miller never let himself think about what it would be like to go up against Cam Newton in a game.

Even through the 2011 season, when Newton and Miller emerged as legitimate stars, more than backing up their status as the top two picks in the draft, Miller wouldn't picture himself chasing down Newton for a sack.

Newton changed all of that at a corporate appearance this offseason. Newton and Miller were participating in a fan question-and-answer session, when a member of the audience asked Newton what he thought about playing Miller's Broncos in the fall.

Miller remembers Newton getting out of his chair, going over to stand over Miller and saying that the Panthers would "crush" the Broncos.

"That was the one time I was like, 'Wow.' He said that in front of a crowd. So I felt kind of challenged," Miller told USA TODAY Sports this week.

Well, that day has arrived. Miller's Broncos play Newton's Panthers Sunday in Charlotte, marking the first time the reigning offensive and defensive rookies of the year will play each other.

"He's a superstar. I'm a linebacker. There's a difference," Miller said.

Miller is coming off one of the best games of his career, with three sacks against the Cincinnati Bengals last week to bring his season total to nine. He also has a league-high 17 tackles for a loss, a sign of his improvement as a run defender.

"Von has special athletic skills. His ability to run, to cover ground, certain things that he has, you just can't teach," Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning said.

The Panthers are hoping last week's win against Washington will help break Newton out of a sophomore slump. Newton has thrown only six touchdowns compared to eight interceptions this season, along with eight fumbles, and the Panthers have won only two games.

The Broncos took a close look at Newton before the 2011 draft, even bringing Newton to Denver for a visit. But it became clear to both franchises that Newton would wind up in Carolina, a team coming off a two-win season (under now-Broncos coach John Fox) in which Jimmy Clausen, Matt Moore and Brian St. Pierre started games at quarterback.

"It was apparent what our decision was and the direction we were going to head," Carolina coach Ron Rivera said. "We had to establish who our franchise quarterback was going to be, who was going to be the guy that was going to be our leader for the next 10 years, hopefully. That was the direction we had."

That left the Broncos with their pick of defensive players: Miller, Alabama defensive tackle Marcel Dareus or Louisiana State cornerback Patrick Peterson. Miller reminded John Elway, the Broncos' new front office boss, of Kansas City great Derrick Thomas – a far-too intriguing pass-rush talent to pass up.

Neither team appears to regret its choice, though Rivera said he has had to counsel Newton on how to handle his emotions as the Panthers have lost several close games.

"Dealing with losing is tough on him," Rivera said. "The thing that I find is that he does spend a lot of energy dealing with it and it bothers him to know that he's not having the type of success he's used to."

Perhaps following up on his off-season challenge to Miller would help raise Newton's spirits.

From afar, the Miller vs. Newton matchup seems to be one of strength against strength: One of the league's fastest pass rushers against one of the league's fastest quarterbacks. Miller said there is more to it than that.

"He's big, strong and fast. He doesn't get enough credit for being able to shed defenders. Everyone always thinks he'll just take off and run. But from what I've seen, he'll take on the biggest of defensive linemen and just shed them to the ground," Miller said.

"You've got to be able to get to the ball. The quarterback is the worst ball handler on the field, so if you can get the ball out, that's as good as a sack. We'll have to be aware of that, getting to the ball."