The Broncos kicked off the 2016 season with a gritty victory over the Panthers in what was a thriller from start to finish. Despite three turnovers in the game, the offense was able to rally in the second half behind a strong performance on the ground, scoring 14 fourth quarter points and ultimately winning 21-20.

Offensively, the Broncos thrived in the running game, gaining 148 of the team’s 307 yards from scrimmage on the ground.

C.J. Anderson totalled 139 yards on the night and his two touchdowns were what made the difference in the end. Anderson showed great vision throughout the night and was effective both between the tackles and as a receiver.

Rookie fullback Andy Janovich also had an excellent first game. Janovich had several key blocks on Anderson runs and really looks like he will be an effective weapon in the running game. A player at a position that normally does not receive much glory, Janovich had his shining moment with a 28-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

Making his first career NFL start, Trevor Siemian looked fairly impressive and showed the ability to fit the ball in tight coverage. Siemian made good decisions with the football and used his legs to get him out of tough situations.

Obviously Siemian will need to improve and limit the turnovers moving forward, but overall the young QB performed well against an extremely tough Panthers defense.

Siemian does not need to be a superstar this season. The Broncos got a total of 19 touchdowns and 23 interceptions from Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiller in 2015 and they won the whole damn thing. Siemian needs to just play well enough to keep the opposing defense off balance and let his own defense win games, which is exactly what he did tonight.

After giving up 17 points in the first half, the Denver defense shut down the Panthers for most of the second half, only giving up three more points and coming up with crucial stops to start the half.

The Panthers had the ball for over 32 minutes in the game, earned more yards than the Broncos did and turned the ball over two fewer times, but when the team needed it most, this defense was able to come up with the big play.

Chris Harris came up with an incredible interception, Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware each came up with a sack. When the Broncos had their backs against the wall, this defense came out swinging and it ultimately won them the game.

This win showed us a lot about the 2016 Broncos and the mindset they possess. The Panthers had every chance in the world to come away with a victory tonight but it was the Broncos who got tough and took care of business in the second half.

After multiple turnovers, Denver very well could have laid down and accepted defeat, but this team fought until the end and got a lucky break when Graham Gano missed a 50-yard field goal attempt at the end.

Sometimes it takes a little bit of good fortune to secure a victory, but make no mistake, the Broncos took this game away from the Panthers. This was a huge win for a young football team still trying to find their identity.