DENVER – In the end, Thursday's highly anticipated Super Bowl 50 rematch to kick off the 2016 season came down to a field goal attempt.
But Graham Gano's 50-yard try with nine seconds remaining hooked wide left, dealing the Panthers a 21-20 defeat to the Broncos.
"I missed it," Gano said. "I just missed it."
Carolina was in position to pull out a hard-fought victory against the reigning champions. After Denver took a 21-17 lead, the Panthers cut the deficit to one thanks to a 36-yard conversion from Gano with 4:21 on the clock.
The defense did its job, forcing a three-and-out and getting the ball back to the offense at its own 40-yard line with 3:06 remaining.
It was an ominous start to the possession, with quarterback Cam Newton getting sacked on two of the first three plays. But on fourth-and-21, Broncos cornerback Chris Harris, Jr. was penalized for illegal use of hands, turning an incompletion into a fresh set of downs for Carolina.
After using their final timeout, the Panthers crossed into Denver territory with a 16-yard completion to wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin, and Newton spiked the ball with 14 seconds left.
Wide receiver Ted Ginn, Jr. followed that with a 5-yard grab against the sideline, setting up the pivotal kick that wasn't to be.
"Kelvin made a great play on the slant, and Teddy made a heck of a catch there to get us in real good position," tight end Greg Olsen said. "It just didn't work out."
Carolina was in control at halftime.
Benjamin's 14-yard touchdown catch gave the Panthers a 7-0 lead early, and after the Broncos tied it with a 28-yard touchdown run by fullback Andy Janovich, Carolina marched 89 yards in 18 plays, eventually reaching the end zone with a 2-yard run by Newton in the second quarter.
Newton was brilliant on the drive, completing all four of his third-down passes, and his touchdown run provided a historic capper that simultaneously broke a pair of NFL records held by Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young. Newton now has 44 career rushing touchdowns - most ever by a quarterback - and an all-time best 32 games with both a passing and a rushing touchdown. An efficient two-minute drill allowed the Panthers to extend the lead to 17-7, as Gano drilled a 44-yard field goal three seconds before halftime.
"We really had a good grasp on the game and we let it slip away," Olsen said. "That's collectively on all of us."
The Panthers created their third takeaway early in the third quarter. Safety Kurt Coleman blitzed and pressured quarterback Trevor Siemian into a hurried throw that was picked off by cornerback Bene Benwikere.
But Carolina's offense stalled in the third quarter, and on the first play of the fourth quarter, Denver running back C.J. Anderson turned a screen pass into a 25-yard touchdown.
"On that screen, he just had a lot of room to go," Benwikere said. "We have to do a better job reading our keys and get there."
Two plays later, the Panthers committed their lone turnover, and it proved very costly. Newton's pass for Benjamin was deflected and intercepted by Harris, and an unnecessary roughness penalty on guard Andrew Norwell spotted the ball at Carolina's 23-yard line.
Anderson later rushed for a 1-yard score to give the Broncos their first lead, which proved to be enough.
The reigning NFC Champions who rattled off 14 straight wins to start the 2015 season are now 0-1 in 2016.
"We'll get our head up and we'll go back to work," head coach Ron Rivera said. "This is a long season. This is the first game, and there's still 15 games left to play."
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)
