AP - The Denver Broncos have started the NFL season the exact way they finished the last, beating the Carolina Panthers, just as they did in Superbowl LI.
The Broncos, minus now-retired, legendary quarterback Peyton Manning, repeated their past performance and got a win at the mile-high stadium with Trevor Siemian running the offence.
What was more important though, was Denver's defence, which again blitzed Carolina quarterback Cam Newton.
The reigning league MVP was sacked three times and roughed up all game by the Broncos who also targeted him in similar fashion during their Superbowl win.
Carolina coach Ron Rivera was incensed with the treatment Newton received.
"I think there is a little bit of prejudice to that," Rivera said of the lack of penalties to Newton.
"Some of them you would like to see them throw the flags.
"Some of them were hits that most certainly should have drawn flags."
Since the game concluded, Newton has been tested four times to see if he has a concussion.
He passed each test and is expected to be at practice Wednesday when the Panthers begin on-field preparations for the game against the San Francisco 49ers on September 18.
