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Panthers fall short in NFL season opener against Broncos
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The NFL couldn't have asked for a more exciting start to the 2016 season than what the Panthers and Broncos gave them in the rematch of Super Bowl 50, but Denver holding on for a 21-20 win was partially overshadowed by officiating that still seemed stuck in the preseason.
Specifically: Referee Gene Steretore is one of the league's best, and we all have rough days at the office (just ask Graham Gano), but his crew missed numerous instances of Panthers quarterback Cam Newton taking head shots from Broncos defenders.