Broncos Rally Past Panthers as Defense Delivers Late

Denver overcame a fourth-quarter deficit to beat Carolina 26-21, earning another one-score victory and setting a new NFL record for such wins. The Broncos head into their bye at 7-2 after a game in which the Panthers moved the ball effectively for long stretches but two takeaways proved decisive.

Denver’s defense struggled with explosive plays and tackling, while injuries left both starting safeties out and cornerback Riley Moss sidelined early with a concussion. But Devon Key intercepted Bryce Young in the end zone to halt a Panthers drive at the goal line. The Broncos then went 80 yards on 14 plays, with Jonah Coleman scoring to put Denver ahead in the fourth quarter. They missed the two-point conversion.

Bo Nix later threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Pat Bryant for a 26-14 lead. Carolina cut the margin to five, but Nik Bonitto strip-sacked Young and recovered the fumble to end the threat. Denver’s defense made key plays despite its uneven performance, and the bye offers time for injured players to recover.

The Broncos’ run game remains a concern: they had 75 yards on 21 carries. The team’s blocking and play-calling, not simply its running backs, are part of the problem. Denver’s tight ends have struggled as run blockers, while Carolina has Mitchell Evans and Tommy Tremble, both described as strong blockers. Tremble is finishing his deal this season, while Evans is completing year two of his rookie agreement. The Broncos’ offense could benefit from simplifying its approach and improving its blocking rather than expecting a running back acquisition to fix the ground game.