Broncos win 26-21 over Panthers on late fumble recovery
A coach's challenge overturned a call in the third quarter, shifting momentum before Denver sealed the win with a strip-sack.
By Thomas Obasi ·
The Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers 26-21 on Sunday, securing their fifth consecutive victory. The game was decided in the final minute when linebacker Nik Bonitto forced a fumble from quarterback Bryce Young. Bonitto recovered the ball with 1:24 remaining, preventing Carolina from mounting a final drive. Following the turnover, Bo Nix advanced the Broncos with a first-down quarterback sneak to close out the contest.
The decisive sequence followed a controversial ruling in the third quarter. With Carolina driving from the Denver one-yard line, officials reviewed a pass play that had been called incomplete. The review determined that safety Devon Key intercepted a ball that had deflected off tight end Tommy Tremble. The call shifted possession to Denver at their 20-yard line. Carolina coach Frank Reich and players expressed surprise that a challenge could be applied to a prior play after the next down had already been run.
Quarterback Bo Nix completed 17 of 28 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns. He connected with Courtland Sutton and Pat Bryant for scores. Running back Jonah Coleman added 57 yards and a rushing touchdown. For Carolina, Bryce Young passed for 276 yards and three touchdowns but threw an interception. He was sacked three times. Tight end Darren Waller caught eight passes for 90 yards and a score.
Bronco head coach Sean Payton noted that the team's success in close games is not accidental. The Broncos have now won 16 consecutive games decided by eight points or fewer. Nix stated that the team feels comfortable in late-game situations. "I'm just glad we're on this side of winning them and not in a streak of losing them," Nix said.
Carolina's defense struggled against Denver's passing attack. The Panthers played without their top four cornerbacks, relying on practice squad call-ups Marco Wilson and Corey Thornton. The two combined for five defensive pass interference penalties. Nix said the team targeted the weakened secondary early in the game.
Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and cornerback Riley Moss left the game with concussions. Waddle and Moss were ruled out for the remainder of the contest. No injuries were reported for Carolina.
The Broncos enter their bye week at 7-2, holding the sole lead in the AFC West. They will host the Las Vegas Raiders on November 22. The Panthers drop to 3-5 and remain in a three-way tie for first place in the NFC South. They will travel to New Orleans on Sunday.
