Panthers Discuss Controversial Call in Loss to Broncos

The Carolina Panthers watched their losing streak hit three games on Sunday, following a 26-21 loss to the Denver Broncos. Carolina now sits at 3-5 overall in the putrid NFC South, giving them a chance to still win the division and make the playoffs.

But the concerns are there for Carolina. 

The past few weeks have been tough, losing a tough one to Tampa Bay, then a primetime game to Green Bay before this one. While they are still in the running for the division, they need to find a way to start stacking some wins. 

While the Panthers did lose the game, there was a chance in the second half for them to put their stamp on it. They led by seven and had the ball at the Broncos' one-yard line facing a first-and-goal. Instead of trying to run it in, they ran a pass play as Bryce Young looked Tommy Tremble's way. 

As Young fired the ball into the end zone, it looked to be incomplete out of Tremble's hands. The Panthers even ran a play, a run ironically which was stopped, but what the refs didn't see what that Sean Payton had thrown the challenge flag.  The play was reviewed and it was determined that Devon Key actually intercepted the pass which gave the Broncos the ball back. 

It was a weird play all around and you could even argue that there was some defensive pass interference on the play that was not called. The Broncos took advantage and scored a touchdown on a Jonah Coleman run. That run gave them the lead and after they scored another touchdown, it all but put the game away.

After the game, Canales was asked about the play, and he confirmed that Payton did get the flag out, and it was confirmed that he threw the challenge flag before the Panthers snapped the ball. He explained that he has to go by the ref's word, as he wasn't able to see the replay. 

Young discussed it as well, calling it a "first for him in football" at any level. He then got honest about it saying the Panthers shouldn't have left it in the refs hands and needed to go down and finish the game. 

The Panthers had a chance at the end but a strip-sack of Young ended that chance with just under two minutes left in the game. It's a tough pill to swallow for the Panthers but they have to find a way to get a win next week against New Orleans.