Bo Nix Leads Denver Past Carolina in 26-21 Upset
A successful coach's challenge shifted momentum in the third quarter, allowing the Broncos to close out a five-game winning streak against the Panthers.
By Ibrahim Howard ·
Bo Nix completed 237 yards and two touchdown passes to guide the Denver Broncos to a 26-21 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The win extended Denver's winning streak to five games and moved their record to 7-2. Jonah Coleman added a rushing touchdown and 57 yards, while Courtland Sutton and Pat Bryant also scored on the ground and in the air for Denver.
The game turned in the third quarter. Bryce Young connected with Darren Waller on a 15-yard pass over the middle to give Carolina a lead. Young finished the game 28 of 39 for 276 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Waller caught eight passes for 90 yards and a score, helping the Panthers, now 3-5 and in a three-game losing skid.
With Carolina facing a first-and-goal at the Denver 1-yard line, Young threw toward the corner of the end zone. The call initially went to the Panthers for an incomplete pass. After the next play, officials reviewed a challenge thrown by Denver coach Sean Payton. The review showed Denver safety Devon Key had intercepted a ball that bounced off tight end Tommy Tremble's hand before hitting the turf. The turnover gave Denver possession at their 20-yard line.
Denver drove 80 yards in 14 plays to take a 19-14 lead. Coleman ran for a 9-yard touchdown with 10:17 remaining, though the team failed on the two-point conversion. Nix then threw a 25-yard pass to Bryant down the seam with 5:41 left to make it 21-14. Young cut the deficit to five points with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Tetairoa McMillan with 3:05 on the clock.
The Broncos faced a challenge late in the fourth quarter. A misplayed pitch from Nix to Coleman lost 18 yards, forcing a punt with two minutes remaining. Defensive end Nik Bonitto recorded a strip-sack on Young near midfield with 1:24 left. The Broncos recovered the ball and secured a first down to end the game.
Carolina played its first game under interim defensive coordinator Todd Wash, who replaced Ejiro Evero last week. The defense, missing its top four cornerbacks due to injuries, drew seven penalties, including five for pass interference. Denver lost wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and cornerback Riley Moss to first-half concussions. The Broncos will host Las Vegas on November 22 after a bye next week. Carolina travels to New Orleans on Sunday.
