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| Al Messerschmidt / Getty Images |
| The Broncos could not keep up with star Panthers wideout Steve Smith. |
It was over when ...
Broncos kicker Matt Prater narrowly missed a 47-yard field goal try late in the third quarter. Denver never got back into scoring position as the Panthers used a lethal combination of running and defense to get the win and close in on the NFC South title. The Broncos lost a chance to win the AFC West.
Game ball
Panthers WR Steve Smith was too much for Denver to handle. He shredded the Broncos' cover-two defense and gave Jake Delhomme an easy target by getting himself so open. He finished with nine receptions for 165 yards and a TD.
Key stat
Carolina's big-play ability, as evidenced by their 7.1 yard-per-play average, proved to be the difference in this matchup.
Noteworthy
Broncos RB P.J. Pope amassed a career-high 75 yards from scrimmage and scored his first touchdown. ... Denver rookie Josh Barrett had his first career interception. ... DeAngelo Williams scored his league-leading 16th touchdown. ... Panthers owner Jerry Richardson attended the game just days after a hospital stay. He is in need of a heart transplant.
