DENVER — Bo Nix showcased his best performance of the season, throwing three touchdown passes and rushing for another in the Denver Broncos’ convincing 28-14 victory over the depleted Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The Broncos’ defense was formidable, putting significant pressure on Carolina’s quarterback, Bryce Young, throughout the match.
Nix had an impressive outing, completing 284 passing yards while finding his targets Nate Adkins for a 3-yard score and Adam Trautman with a 19-yard touchdown in the second quarter, helping the Broncos (5-3) establish a solid 21-7 lead by halftime. Carolina (1-7) struggled, facing setbacks with a staggering 22 players listed on their injury report and suffering further injuries during the game, leading to their fifth straight loss.
Young completed 24 of 37 passes, totaling 224 yards with two touchdowns but also threw two interceptions. His performance was marked by inconsistency, complemented by a disastrous fake punt attempt in the third quarter that turned the tide in favor of the Broncos. Seeking to catch Denver off guard from their 24-yard line, punter Johnny Hekker misfired an open target, resulting in a turnover that led to a quick touchdown pass from Nix to running back Jaleel McLaughlin just four plays later, extending the Broncos’ lead to 28-7.
Cornerback Patrick Surtain II, after giving up a touchdown on Carolina’s opening drive, redeemed himself by intercepting Young at the Broncos’ 11-yard line during the Panthers’ subsequent drive. Courtland Sutton had a standout performance, snagging eight catches for 100 yards, marking his first 100-yard game since Week 2 of the previous season. Unfortunately, he fumbled the ball at the 1-yard line on his last reception, which was recovered by Shy Tuttle.
Despite the struggles, Young displayed commendable skill during the two-minute drill, directing Carolina on a 98-yard, 10-play drive, which culminated in a 15-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Coker just 18 seconds before the final whistle. Young, who had been benched earlier in the season, stepped back as the starting quarterback after Andy Dalton injured his thumb in an accident, leaving rookie Jack Plummer as the backup.
The game began positively for Young and the Panthers. Following a key turnover, he led an impressive drive that resulted in Carolina taking an early 7-0 lead with a 6-yard touchdown catch by rookie Xavier Legette. This marked Young’s first touchdown pass of the season and the first opening-drive scoring play of his career. Unfortunately for Carolina, the offense stagnated, managing only one first down for the remainder of the half, while the Broncos began to take complete control.
On the defensive side, Nik Bonitto recorded a sack for the sixth consecutive game, a streak the Broncos haven’t seen since Von Miller’s run in 2018. Ja’Quan McMillian concluded the game with an interception in the end zone, further exemplifying the Broncos’ defensive prowess. Young, now holding a 2-17 career record and an 0-3 mark this season, notably missed two key wide receivers, Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen, due to injuries.
Injury updates revealed that Panthers tight end Feleipe Franks suffered a concussion during punt coverage, and linebacker D.J. Johnson twisted his ankle, both ruled out by halftime. For the Broncos, tight end Lucas Kroll experienced a shoulder injury in the final quarter but was able to return to the game.
Looking ahead, the Panthers will host the New Orleans Saints next Sunday, while the Broncos prepare for a road matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on the same day.