Nix and Payton's Challenge Guide Broncos Past Panthers 26-21
A third-quarter interception call and a late strip-sack sealed Denver's fifth consecutive win against a struggling Carolina squad.
By Lucas Navarro ·
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix threw for 237 yards and two touchdowns as the host team defeated the Carolina Panthers 26-21 on Sunday in Charlotte, North Carolina. The victory extends Denver's winning streak to five games. A pivotal coach's challenge in the third quarter shifted momentum away from Carolina and set the stage for the final score.
The Broncos led 14-14 after the second quarter. Carolina took a 19-14 advantage in the third quarter when Bryce Young completed a 15-yard pass to Darren Waller. Later in that period, with the Panthers on the Denver one-yard line, officials reviewed a play initially called incomplete. The review determined that Denver safety Devon Key intercepted a ball that had deflected off tight end Tommy Tremble. The call gave Denver possession at their own 20-yard line.
Denver converted the turnover into an 80-yard drive. Running back Jonah Coleman scored on a nine-yard run with 10:17 remaining to put the Broncos up 19-14. Nix extended the lead to 26-14 with a 25-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Pat Bryant. Young reduced the deficit to five points with a four-yard score to Tetairoa McMillan with 3:05 left.
Carolina attempted to drive for a go-ahead score but faced defensive pressure. With 1:24 remaining and the ball near midfield, linebacker Nik Bonitto recorded a strip-sack on Young. Denver recovered the fumble and consumed the final clock with one first down. The play ended the Panthers' final possession.
Nix completed 19 of 28 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Coleman rushed for 57 yards and a score. Wide receivers Courtland Sutton and Bryant also caught touchdown passes for Denver. Young completed 28 of 39 passes for 276 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception for Carolina. Waller caught eight passes for 90 yards and a touchdown. The Panthers have lost three consecutive games.
Denver will sit out next week due to a bye. The Broncos will host the Las Vegas Raiders on November 22. Carolina will travel to New Orleans for its next game on Sunday.
Denver suffered first-half concussions to wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and cornerback Riley Moss, who were ruled out for the game. Carolina did not report any injuries. The Panthers played under interim defensive coordinator Todd Wash, whose unit was flagged seven times, including five penalties for pass interference.
