Broncos beat Panthers to improve to 7-2, extend winning streak
Denver defeated Carolina 24-21 on Sunday, marking the Broncos' fifth consecutive victory and moving the team to a 7-2 record.
Denver secured a 24-21 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, extending its winning streak to five games and improving to 7-2 on the season. The Broncos built an early 10-0 lead, saw the Panthers rally to 21-13, and then turned the game around after a key interception by safety Devon Key. The defensive play helped shift momentum, and the team held on for the final victory.
Quarterback Bo Nix threw for 237 yards and two touchdowns, earning a modest rise in his performance rating despite an interception late in the game. Running back Jonah Coleman, who handled the majority of snaps in the backfield, recorded 17 carries for 57 yards, added four receptions for 31 yards, and scored a touchdown.
Wide receiver Pat Bryant, returning from injured reserve, led the team with 56 receiving yards and scored the game-winning 26-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Veteran receiver Courtland Sutton contributed five catches for 45 yards and a touchdown, while Troy Franklin added three catches for 31 yards.
On defense, edge rusher Nik Bonitto recorded a strip-sack late in the fourth quarter, and safety Devon Key’s interception was highlighted as a pivotal moment. The Broncos’ special teams unit remained reliable, with kicker Wil Lutz converting both field-goal attempts and punter Jeremy Crawshaw averaging 53.7 yards per punt.
The weekly “Stock Up, Stock Down” analysis noted several roster changes: Bo Nix’s stock rose slightly, Jonah Coleman’s stock increased, while running back JK Dobbins and offensive linemen Ben Powers and Luke Wattenberg saw declines. Tight end Evan Engram’s stock fell due to trade speculation, and cornerback Riley Moss was listed down after sustaining a concussion.
Overall, the Broncos overcame a late-game surge by the Panthers to claim another close victory, keeping their playoff aspirations on track.