The start of the 2016-2017 NFL season began the same way it ended last season with the Denver Broncos playing the Carolina Panthers.

After a devastating loss for Cam Newton and the Panthers at Super Bowl 50, there was more of a drive to win this time around. For the Broncos, they had to prove that their new starting quarterback, Trevor Siemian, could perform under pressure.

Broncos rookie running back Devontae Booker fumbled on the first drive to kick off the game for the reigning Super Bowl Champions.  As a result, the Panthers were the first to score. With 7:13 left in the first quarter Cam Newton found Kelvin Benjamin for a 14-yard touchdown reception, making the game 7-0. The rest of the quarter was scoreless as the Broncos struggled to find a rhythm.

Early in the second quarter Broncos rookie fullback Andy Janovich ran 28 yards for a touchdown to tie up the game at 7. After 12 minutes of scoreless play, Newton ran the ball in for a two-yard touchdown, putting the Panthers back in the lead.

The Broncos pulled ahead in the fourth quarter with a 25-yard touchdown reception from Siemian to running back C.J. Anderson, making the score 21-17.  With 4:21 on the clock, Panthers kicker Graham Gano kicked a field goal to make the game a one-point differential.

Later in the game, Gano missed a field goal kick after his first attempt was iced by a time-out call from the Broncos.  Had Gano made the kick, the Panthers would have taken the lead and subsequently been victorious.

The Broncos gave up three turnovers throughout the game. Denver had an overall possession of the ball for 27:14. Carolina had one turnover and had possession of the ball for 32:19.  The final score was 20-21 Denver.