DENVER – After kicker Graham Gano's last-second field goal missed the mark in the Panthers' one-point loss to the Denver Broncos, linebacker Thomas Davis found himself reliving the deciding play in his head.
It's not what you think.
"Me personally, blitzing on the screen play and not bull-rushing the running back toward the quarterback, that's something that I'm going to look back at from this game that could have made the difference," Davis said.
Davis was referring to the first snap rather than the last snap of the final quarter, a 25-yard catch and run into the end zone for running back C.J. Anderson that got the Broncos back in the game.
Sure, no one could miss Gano's miss, but it wasn't the only one of the night.
It just happened to be the last one.
"It's stressful. I can only imagine how stressful it is for Graham, having to be the one to go out there and make that play," Davis said. "At the end of the day, we have to make that kick, but defensively, we have to close them out. We had a 10-point lead in the second half, and we've got to keep them off the board. That's our job."
There is blame to go around. But, understandably, that was a hard concept for Gano to grasp in the aftermath.
"I feel bad that I let my team down," he said. "We worked really hard tonight to get the win. I wish I could have it back, but I've just got to move on."
Such is the life of a kicker. In a league where close games are a way of life, the weight of the world often rests on the flick of a foot. After the Panthers' defense forced a three-and-out and their offense clawed its way into field goal ranges, those units stood hand-in-hand on the sideline and watched the outcome of a brutally physical night come down to a kick.
Or in this case, two kicks. Gano effortlessly split the uprights from 50 yards as the Broncos were in the process of signaling for the dreaded ice-the-kicker timeout. Gano said he was unfazed by the ploy, but his second kick flew wide left.
"I'm perfectly calm in those situations. It's not different than any other kick, really. I've been doing this for a long time," Gano said. "Those are the moments that you dream of, so it hurts. You want it back.
"I'm human. I'll probably think about it for a little while, but we've got another game next week. I've just got to move on."
Before Gano even made it off the field, safety and special teams leader Colin Jones cut him off at the pass.
"At the end of the day, we all played a hand in the loss. I just wanted to make sure he knew that this didn't fall on his shoulders," Jones said. "There will be another point in the year when he's going to make a kick for us. Just look at last year – how many games did he win for us?
"I just want him to stay positive. It's unfortunate we didn't get the win, but we're going to come back and be better from it."
Last season, Gano made two game-winners and didn't miss the mark a single time with the game on the line. In addition to pulling out a win over the Giants, he made two truly clutch kicks against the Colts, one to tie it up in overtime and then one to win it.
"This isn't going to define my season," Gano said. "A lot of my teammates came up to me and told me I'm going to help us win a lot of games, and I believe it. I wish I could have it back, but the reality is, you can't.
"It's not the first kick I've missed, and it won't be the last game-winning opportunity I'll have. And I'll make them."
View game action photos from Carolina's 21-20 loss to Denver.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) is hit by Carolina Panthers defensive back Robert McClain (27) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) is hit as he throws by Carolina Panthers free safety Kurt Coleman (20) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) looks to pass under pressure from Carolina Panthers free safety Kurt Coleman (20) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) is hit by Carolina Panthers defensive back Robert McClain (27) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Shaq Green-Thompson (54) celebrates recovering a fumble against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) tries to elude Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) throws as Denver Broncos nose tackle Sylvester Williams (92) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) leaps over a defender as Denver Broncos free safety Justin Simmons (31) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ted Ginn (19) runs after the catch against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) pulls in a touchdown catch as Denver Broncos strong safety T.J. Ward (43) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) pulls in a touchdown catch as Denver Broncos strong safety T.J. Ward (43) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) celebrates his touchdown with teammate center Ryan Kalil (67) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) eludes the reach of Carolina Panthers free safety Tre Boston (33) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) is thrown down by Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry (24) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) is sacked by Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Vernon Butler (92) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is pressured by Denver Broncos linebacker Shane Ray (56) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Denver Broncos fullback Andy Janovich (32) runs for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is pressured by Denver Broncos nose tackle Sylvester Williams (92) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is hit by Denver Broncos defensive end Jared Crick (93) as he throws during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) sits on the turf after being hit during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) is hit by Denver Broncos strong safety T.J. Ward (43) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) dives for the touchdown as Denver Broncos free safety Darian Stewart (26) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) falls out of bounds after scoring a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak watches from the sidelines against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) throws as Carolina Panthers defensive end Kony Ealy (94) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) throws as Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Carolina Panthers cornerback Bene' Benwikere (25) intercepts a pass intended for Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Carolina Panthers cornerback Bene' Benwikere (25) celebrates after intercepting a pass with teammate Vernon Butler (92) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Carolina Panthers cornerback Bene' Benwikere (25) celebrates his interception against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) runs against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is sacked by Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) grimaces after a hit as he runs to the sidelines against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) throws under pressure from Carolina Panthers defensive end Ryan Delaire (91) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) celebrates a first down against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) runs in for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) scores a touchdown as Carolina Panthers free safety Kurt Coleman (20) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris (25) celebrates an interception against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) scores a touchdown as Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) celebrates his touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) leaps for yards as Denver Broncos outside linebacker Corey Nelson (52) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) throws against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) walks to the sidelines during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) is tripped up by Carolina Panthers free safety Tre Boston (33) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
CORRECTS PLAYER AT LEFT TO BRANDON MARSHALL, INSTEAD OF SHANE RAY - Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) celebrates his sack of Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton with teammate Brandon Marshall (54) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) celebrates his sack against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) celebrates his sack against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) lies on the turf after a roughing the passer penalty on Denver Broncos free safety Darian Stewart (26) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. The Broncos won 21-20. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) lies on the turf after Denver Broncos free safety Darian Stewart (26) was called for roughing the passer during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. The Broncos won 21-20. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) throws as Denver Broncos outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) pursues during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. The Broncos won 21-20. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Carolina Panthers kicker Graham Gano (9) misses a field goal attempt as punter Andy Lee (8) holds during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. The Broncos won 21-20. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
CORRECT THAT LEE WAS HOLDER, INSTEAD OF KICKER - Denver Broncos cornerback Kayvon Webster (36) celebrates a Carolina Panthers missed field goal as holder Andy Lee (8) looks away during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. The Broncos won 21-20. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
The Denver Broncos celebrate a missed game-winning field goal attempt by the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. The Broncos won 21-20. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) greets Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) after an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. The Broncos won 21-20. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak embraces Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera after an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, in Denver. The Broncos won 21-20. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
