ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) -- Still feeling disrespected despite bringing home the Lombardi Trophy, members of Denver's nasty defense pledged to keep serving as the Broncos' vicious vanguard in 2016.
They certainly delivered in the opener.
Only, instead of championship rings, their latest clubbing of Cam Newton will surely come with some hefty fines.
Newton was repeatedly hit in the head in Denver's 21-20 win over Carolina in Thursday night's beguiling but brutal NFL kickoff that left fans cringing along with the league's reigning MVP.
The biggest hit on Newton was delivered by safety Darian Stewart on Carolina's final possession, leaving the QB motionless on the ground for several seconds.