The former NFL fullback dropped by ESPN.com on Monday to talk about the keys to Sunday's matchup between the Broncos and the Falcons. Hoge gave ESPN.com users some keys to watch on the offensive line and broke down both teams on both sides of the ball. If you missed his Jan. 25 chat session, an edited transcript is listed below.

Mark: How do you think the Broncos' run defense matches up with Atlanta running back Jamal Anderson?

Hoge: Actually, I think this will be one of the more interesting matchups of the game. The first great matchup, though, is Atlanta's defensive line vs. the Broncos' offensive line.

But when you look at the Broncos' defensive line and how Maa Tanuvasa and Keith Traylor and the blitzing schemes of Broncos' defensive coordinator Greg Robinson will create a lot of problems for the Atlanta offensive line.

Atlanta's line is a young bunch of guys that made some mental mistakes early in the season. But now, they are playing their best football at the right time.

The key for the Falcons' line will be handling the run blitzes that the Broncos will throw at them. If Anderson comes into this game with the attitude that he's going to run north-south early in the game, he will create some big gains for himself later in the game via the cutback.

Vinny: Being a former running back, do you think who ever gains the most rushing yards will win the Super Bowl?

Hoge: Absolutely. I think the rushing game will win the championship in this matchup. And I think Denver has the best running game because it all starts with the offensive line. And as you watch these guys this Sunday, watch how they execute double teams. They will work great together in creating movement on that one guy. At the right time, the appropriate lineman will come off to block the stack back.

Another thing to watch on the offensive line is how they execute cut blocks away from the play side. When they create any type of movement or crack, they have the most polished back in the game in Terrell Davis. He will make any defense pay whether it's for two yards or 50.

Daren Sage: In order for Atlanta to win, what must they do?

Hoge: Their defensive line must control the line of scrimmage. The defensive line must get penetration and create pressure up field. What that does is cage Terrell Davis, giving him a smaller area to work with. If they can do that for 60 minutes, they can hold Davis to 100 yards. If they do that, they can win.

Steven: How will Atlanta's defensive backs stack up against the awesome wideouts of Denver?

Hoge: I really believe they will match up fine. They have the speed to run with them and the size to hold their own. The way the safeties -- Eugene Robinson and William White -- are playing, they give the Atlanta defense a lot of flexibility to show a lot of different coverages to the Broncos' wide receivers.

HOGE'S FILE

Former NFL fullback Merril Hoge is host for Edge NFL Matchup, which airs on ESPN and ESPN2, and for The NFL on ESPN Radio, which airs 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays throughout the season. He also provides reports for Sunday NFL Countdown and serves as on-site reporter for that two-hour pregame show. Hoge joined ESPN in 1996, working as game analyst and sideline reporter for ESPN2's college football coverage. An eight-year NFL veteran, Hoge spent 1987-93 with the Pittsburgh Steelers and was the team's starting fullback for five of those seasons. He set the team record for most receptions by a running back, totaling 50 in '88. He concluded his career in 1995 with the Chicago Bears. A 1987 Idaho State graduate with a degree in education, Hoge set 11 school records, including career rushing attempts, career rushing yards, career all-purpose yards, season rushing attempts, season rushing yards and season all-purpose yards. He also scored 44 touchdowns, a Big Sky Conference record. Each summer, Hoge runs the successful Merril Hoge Football Camps for youths at various sites. The camps feature a multitude of NFL standouts.

Nevada Norm: How much of a factor will Tim Dwight be on offense (exclude kicks/punts)?

Hoge: There's no doubt that they will have wrinkle or two in their offensive packages for Dwight, but where he will make the biggest impact is on returns. He is a Kamikazee return guy that gives them the capabilities of a big play every time he touches the ball. He could be the "X" factor for the Falcons if they are to win this game.

Go Broncs: Do you think Terrell Davis can get 200 yards in this game?

Hoge: Absolutely. Because Terrell Davis finishes runs better than anyone in the game. When you finish runs like he does, it wears down a defense. And he has the speed to take it the distance at any point on the field.

Joe: Both teams have excellent place kickers, don't forget them.

Hoge: You are right. We've been getting a lot of questions about the "X" factors. Special teams players and kickers are always "X" factors. Both of these kickers bring unique factors.

When you look at Morten Anderson, he was the only kicker that I played against that I knew could hit the long ones consistently to beat us.

When you look at Jason Elam, any time you tie the NFL record on grass and outdoors, you have to give him respect. That will be a factor because they will be kicking outdoors on grass.

Fhomer: Do you see Mike Shanahan coaching anywhere else besides Denver since he won't have John Elway as quarterback anymore?

Hoge: No because I know that he really likes Bubby and he knows that he will still have a champioship caliber team next year.

Dameon: How does that Atlanta passing game matchup with Denver's defense? I don't think people give Atlanta's passing game a enough credit for the job they have done this year.

Hoge: After the NFC Championship game, believe me -- people are giving them respect. They led the NFL in big plays in the passing game with 78 -- a big play is 20 yards or more. So they have big-play ability and the Broncos do have to disguise and protect some of their coverage guys like the safeties. But defensive coordinator Greg Robinson does a nice job of doing that by keeping Steve Atwater and Tyrone Braxton up close to the line and Ray Crockett and Darrien Gordon back in the secondary. At times, they will basically switch assignments. But if Atlanta catches them out of position, they have the speed to make the big play.

Vinny Carme: What is your prediction on the outcome of this game?