The Denver defense never gave Newton a chance to complete passes and sacked the Panthers quarterback six times including once for a safety. It was not until late in the fourth quarter that Newton topped 200 yards passing.
Newton and Carolina scored first in the contest with a four yard pass to tight end Greg Olsen. With 1:39 left in the first quarter Manning found a familiar target in Brandon Stokley for a ten yard touchdown pass.
Broncos return man Trindon Holliday ran back a 76-yard punt to give Denver a 14-7 lead. A 53-yard field goal by Matt Prater would extend Denver’s lead to 17-7. It would stay that way going into half time.
Tony Carter picked off Newton in the third quarter and returned a 40 yard interception in the third quarter. Prater added another field goal and Denver later sacked Newton in the end-zone.
With 5:09 left in the fourth Newton again found Olsen but it was too little too late. Olsen finished the day with a career best 9 catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns.
Manning completed a 46 yard pass to Thomas to set up a 5 yard run by Ronnie Hillman to push Denver’s lead back to 22.
Rahim Moore intercepted Newton following a tipped pass on Carolina’s final posession.
Final Score: Denver 36 Carolina 14
Manning threw for 301 yards and was 27-for-38 with a touchdown.
Newton finished the day 21-for-36 while throwing for 241 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Most of his passing yards were accumulated in the fourth quarter when the outcome of the game had already been decided.
Demaryius Thomas was forced from Sunday’s late in the second quarter with a right knee injury, only to return for the start of the second half.
The Broncos moved to 6-3 with the win and will play against San Diego next week.
With the loss the Panthers are now 2-7 on the season. They will host Tampa Bay next weekend.
