Broncos vs. Panthers: Cam Newton, Peyton Manning face off

At one point, the Panthers had just two yards on 20 plays in the second half. Miller had a monster day, finishing with four tackles for loss and a sack. The second-year pass rusher was also part of the pressure that resulted in a Mike Adams sack for a safety, adding to the big day for Denver’s defense and resulting in a comical dance from Miller.

Fantasy studs

Thomas came back at the start of the second half, however, and finished with one of his biggest games of the season. He finished the game with nine catches for 134 yards. Thomas was held out of the endzone, but he did help the Broncos thrash the Panthers, 36-14.

We should get an update on Thomas’ knee injury later on, but it doesn’t seem as serious as it looked at first.

Without Jones, the Falcons offense has looked anemic. Down by eleven points with just over eight minutes remaining in the third quarter, Atlanta’s defense is the biggest reason why the Saints are threatening the Falcons’ perfect record. He may only have two receptions for 14 yards, but the big play threat he brings to the Falcons offense allows Matt Ryan to have biggest windows to throw to the rest of his weapons.

Approaching the goal line, Holliday clearly flips the ball out of his hand before reaching the end zone. The ball rolled out of the back of the end zone and should have been a touch back. However, the Panthers elected not to challenge the play, instead allowing the Broncos to get the touchdown and take the lead.

Carolina deprived themselves of keeping the game close, and stopped us from having one of the funnier moments of the year.

Hardy is calling himself the Kraken, of course, a fearsome sea monster known to take apart weary sailors and their ships.

This week’s game marks the first time John Fox has been back to Carolina since being fired as that team’s head coach following the 2010 season, which was also Hardy’s rookie year.

DENVER BRONCOS

CAROLINA PANTHERS