If you look at the stats, it's actually the Panthers defense that had one of the best performances in history. Granted, the Bronco offense was pretty anemic, but the Panther defense really played their best. They held the Bronco offense to 191 net yards of offense. 90 on the ground, and only 104 through the air. Denver had a measly 3.5 yards per play. Carolina also stopped the Broncos on third down to the tune of 1/14 conversions, held them to 1/4 in the red zone, and they made them punt 8 times. Plus Denver had only 11 first downs all day.
By comparison, against the "best ever?" Denver defense, the Panthers offense had 315 net yards, 4.2 per play, 21 first downs, and 3/15 third down conversions. Three turnovers, 102 yards in penalties and Norwood's punt return hurt as much as anything. Not great numbers, but had Carolina somehow won the game, we'd be talking about their defense.
By comparison, against the "best ever?" Denver defense, the Panthers offense had 315 net yards, 4.2 per play, 21 first downs, and 3/15 third down conversions. Three turnovers, 102 yards in penalties and Norwood's punt return hurt as much as anything. Not great numbers, but had Carolina somehow won the game, we'd be talking about their defense.