The Carolina Panthers opened their game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday with a Cam Newton to Greg Olson touchdown pass and a 7-0 lead. At that point, it might have been best for the Panthers fans in attendance to leave their seat and head home. The Broncos scored the next 29 points and coasted to a 36-14 victory.
Peyton Manning passed for 300 yards and a touchdown and rookie tailback Ronnie Hillman scored his first career NFL touchdown. The Broncos also got scoring plays from their defense and special teams. With the game tied at 7, Trindon Holliday returned a Matt Prater punt 76 yards for a touchdown. Later, with the Broncos in charge 17-7, Tony Carter intercepted a Cam Newton pass and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown. The Broncos defense also scored a safety when Mike Adams tackled Newton in his end zone.
The Panthers got a pair of touchdown receptions from Greg Olson, but many of their other stars let them down against the Broncos. Newton passed for less than 250 yards and was intercepted twice. Jonathan Stewart and D’Angelo Williams rushed for a combined 37 yards, and Steve Smith had only 1 catch for 19 yards.
Next week, the Broncos (6-3) are home to play the Chargers, and the Panthers (2-7) will travel to Tampa to play the Buccaneers.
