Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton's late third-quarter replay challenge flipped the game, turning an incomplete pass into a crucial interception by reserve safety Devon Key. With 1:30 left in the third quarter and the Carolina Panthers leading 14-13, Payton threw a challenge flag just before the Panthers snapped the ball on the next play. Replays confirmed the flag was thrown in time, allowing the NFL to review the play. The review revealed that the ball bounced off Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble's arm before Key intercepted it inches from the ground. Instead of a potential Panthers touchdown, the Broncos took over and drove 14 plays for a touchdown by rookie Jonah Coleman, taking a 19-14 lead. The Broncos held on for a 26-21 victory, extending their NFL record to 16 consecutive wins in one-score games.
Payton credited assistant quarterbacks coach Evan Rothstein for shouting the challenge recommendation. Panthers coach Dave Canales expressed frustration but acknowledged the officials' confirmation. The play marked an extremely rare instance of a challenge flag being thrown so close to the next snap, ultimately deciding the game's outcome.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing