Short takes: Both quarterbacks struggle but it was a day for defenses

2. About Cam and the Panthers: Cam Newton did not have a great game (18 for 41 for 265 yards and zero touchdowns with three turnovers (one interception, two fumbles). But that was about Denver's defense and the Broncos' ability to break down Carolina's offensive line and stuff the run. The Panthers are still the best team in the NFC South and it's worth noting played all season without their best receiver, Kelvin Benjamin, who might have made a difference in a game like this.

3. Hold on, Mr. Commissioner: Lost in NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's news conference Friday — during which he foolishly said in response to a question on head injuries in football, "There's risk in life. There's risk in sitting on the couch" — was his suggestion that players should be ejected if they get two personal fouls in a game. We saw one problem with that potential rule in the Super Bowl. Denver cornerback Aqib Talib was called for a "taunting" in the first quarter after a third-and-8 sack on Newton, but it was a pretty weak call by the official. Early in the second quarter, Talib was flagged for a blatant face mask penalty after throwing down Carolina receiver Corey Brown. Under Goodell's proposed rule, the Broncos would have lost one of their best defenders with 11:28 left in the first half.

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