The Denver Broncos, led by running back CJ Anderson, made an epic comeback to beat the Panthers 21-20 in their season opener…
What an incredible season opener for the NFL, and the reigning Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos. The Broncos trailed early in the game, and were down 17-7 until the end of the third quarter when C.J. Anderson received a perfect screen pass from Trevor Siemian, and took it to the house on the first play of the fourth.
Anderson’s touchdown gave the Broncos a jolt of much-needed momentum, and it was coupled with a quick interception on a phenomenal play from cornerback Chris Harris Jr., who was beaten for a touchdown early in the game by Kelvin Benjamin.
Harris’ interception set up the Broncos with great field position, and Denver opted to go for it on fourth down at the goal line with C.J. Anderson eventually pushing the ball across on a hard fought battle in the trenches.
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Anderson’s 20 carries for 92 yards and two total touchdowns were a highlight for the Broncos’ offense, and his go-ahead touchdown in the fourth propelled the Broncos into what seemed like a great situation for the defense, but the reigning NFL MVP — Cam Newton — had a final shot.
Newton’s last drive of the night was set up by a below average punt from rookie Riley Dixon, and the Panthers nearly squandered the opportunity. On fourth down with 20-plus yards to go, the Broncos got flagged for a hands to the face penalty and had to re-focus, giving the Panthers a new set of downs.
Newton looked poised as he drove the Panthers into field goal range, and with no timeouts left, they lined up to kick a game-winning field goal. The Broncos called a timeout, icing kicker Graham Gano, who made the ‘practice’ kick. On the ensuing attempt, Gano hooked it wide left, and the Broncos emerged victorious.
We will have more on the game very soon.
The Denver Broncos are now 1-0.