Sunday 11 September 2016 19:27, UK
Carolina Panthers missed a field goal in the last seconds of the game to give Denver Broncos the 21-20 week 1 victory.
In a repeat of February's Super Bowl 50, claimed by the Broncos, it was the Panthers looked to be in control and largely dominated the first half of the opening game of the season, live on Sky Sports.
But an impressive performance from Broncos running back C.J Anderson and a critical Cam Newton interception turned the momentum in Denver's favour before Graham Gano's miss in the closing stages.
The action continues on Sunday with Green Bay @Jacksonville, New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots @ Arizona Cardinals
In 140 characters...
What a start to the season. Great runs, pinpoint QB play, huge sacks and late night drama with the missed FG. Bring on Sunday and the rest of week one.
MVP
Anderson made difference in the Denver offense. When they needed a big play, Anderson stepped up and made his runs count as he registered two touchdowns and 139 yards.
Game-changer
Anderson makes the 25-yard touchdown and, no sooner have the offense left the field than Newton throws an interception. The Broncos are back on the attack and a steady drive winds down the clock, with Anderson on hand to claim his second TD of the night.
Stat of the Night
44 - Newton scored his 44th rushing touchdown, surpassing Steve Young to become the all-time rushing leader among quarterbacks. And he even had time to floss his teeth...
The last word
Broncos' head coach Gary Kubiak said of Siemian: "I have faith in the kid. I wanted to show I trust him."
The Game
The Panthers came racing out of the blocks and on his first drive, Newton went 71 yards, connecting with Kelvin Benjamin from seven yards to finish the move and give the Panthers the lead. It could not have been a better start for Benjamin, who missed the entire 2015 season with a torn ACL.
Despite throwing an early interception, quarterback Trevor Siemian looked confident leading the Broncos offense and Denver were soon level as rookie fullback Andy Janovich ran in to score on his first touch in the NFL.
It was not until the second quarter that Newton began to show his dynamism, escaping the pocket and running the ball, causing problems for the Denver defense. The 2015 MVP made it 14-7 when, from two yards out, he dived for the pylon into the end zone.
Though the Panthers controlled the first half, the Broncos grew into the game and in the the fourth quarter, they managed to put it all together.
After a 78-yard drive down the field, Anderson ran in from 25 yards to reduce the deficit to three. Two plays later, Newton's pass was tipped and intercepted by Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr at the Carolina 35.
Momentum with Denver, the Broncos drove to the one-yard line and it was Anderson again who broke through the Panthers' defense to give Denver a 21-17 lead.
A Graham Gano field goal made it a one-point game and with nine seconds left, the veteran kicker, who was born in Scotland, had a 50-yard field goal for the win. However, he pulled it wide left, handing Siemian his first win as a starting quarterback.
