Broncos' replay challenge 'flipped the whole game,' results in key interception

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- In the end, a red challenge flag, wrapped with three rubber bands around two ounces of sand and thrown by Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton late in the third quarter Sunday, left the Carolina Panthers heated and the Broncos flush with a 26-21 win at Bank of America Stadium.

Payton's replay challenge, with 1 minute, 30 seconds left in the third quarter, turned an incomplete pass in the Broncos' endzone into an improbable interception by Broncos reserve safety Devon Key. The Panthers led 14-13 at the time and the Broncos out-scored the Panthers, 13-8, the rest of the way for their now NFL record 16th consecutive win in a one-score game.

"We never flinch when those situations…