Behind quarterback Bo Nix’s best passing game of the season, the Denver Broncos rode to a 28-14 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, picking up their fifth win in six weeks.
Yes, we know, the Broncos were supposed to win. But over the last eight seasons, games they were supposed to win often quickly became games they should have won.
Not this time.
Don’t look now, but the team offseason pundits said was only supposed to win three games all season already has five wins before Halloween and should make the playoffs, according to DVOA, and most other models.
However, the win wasn’t without challenges. The Broncos’ offense continues to battle slow starts weekly, as turnovers and poor execution left them trailing 7-0 by the end of the first quarter – a concerning trend for Denver this season. They’ve been held scoreless in the opening quarter in five of their first eight games, managing just 3.3 points on average.
Still, they ultimately secured the win and kept their season on a promising path.
Here’s a closer look at how the Broncos turned this matchup in their favor:
1. History Repeats Itself
Although the Denver Broncos defense ultimately controlled the game, they allowed Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young to have his best performance of the season. Young started strong, completing all five passes on Carolina’s first drive, which culminated in a well-executed touchdown pass, giving the Panthers an early 7-0 lead.
Denver’s defense, however, adapted quickly. Following that opening drive, they held Carolina scoreless until the game’s final moments, completely stifling Young and the Panthers’ offense.
Broncos cornerbacks Pat Surtain II and Ja’Quan McMillian were instrumental in this shift, each coming up with critical interceptions deep in Denver territory that thwarted Carolina’s hopes of regaining momentum. Their contributions shut down Carolina’s attempts to find any rhythm after that first-quarter success.
According to Next Gen Stats, Young’s career touchdown rate stands at just 2.1% (13 touchdowns on 629 attempts), ranking as the third-lowest among quarterbacks with at least 600 attempts since 1950. While it’s slightly disappointing that he managed to score his first two touchdowns of the season against a defense that has dominated lesser competition, the Broncos ultimately had the last laugh.
2. Slow Start, Strong Finish for Bo Nix and the Offense
On the other side of the ball, Bo Nix delivered a career-best performance, consistently hitting his targets in stride.
His previously criticized “happy feet” in the pocket were nowhere to be found, as he executed some of the best throws of his young career.
His standout moment came with just over six minutes left in the second quarter when he lofted a perfect 19-yard touchdown pass to Adam Trautman. Covered closely by Panthers linebacker Trevin Wallace, Trautman made a remarkable one-handed grab, thanks to Nix’s precise placement.
Throughout the game, Nix displayed the accuracy and anticipation Denver hoped for when they signed him.
The performance reached historic levels of production, as he became the first Denver Bronco ever to record three passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown, and zero interceptions in a single game.
Nix’s growth has been remarkable. After a rocky start to the season with one touchdown and four interceptions in his first four games, he has since improved to seven touchdowns with only one interception over the last four. During this stretch, he averaged 217.5 yards per game and increased his completion percentage from 60% to 66%.
His ability to consistently improve fosters optimism for what he could hopefully grow into.
While there are still concerns about consistency, this victory underscores Nix’s potential. With each passing week, he seems to be settling more comfortably into his role, and his development could signal an exciting new phase for the Broncos’ offense.
3. Don’t Overlook a Struggling Team
The Broncos entered Sunday’s game as clear favorites, but as James Baldwin put it, “The most dangerous creation of any society is the man who has nothing to lose”.
If there was anyone with nothing to lose coming into this game it was Bryce Young, who has already been benched once this season and is quickly losing traction in the NFL, due to the awful start to his career.
Considering Young’s poor quarterbacking, and looming road games against Baltimore and Kansas City, it would have been easy for Denver to overlook Carolina, but games like these – against vulnerable opponents – are must-wins if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Though not flawless, Sunday’s stress-free win was a welcome change for Broncos fans who have grown used to tight games. Denver was able to control the game and keep the pressure on Carolina, demonstrating mental focus that has sometimes eluded the franchise.
The Broncos showed they could maintain composure and execute under pressure, but the next two weeks will be the true test of Denver’s grit and potential.
Now sitting at 5-3, Bo Nix and Co. are in a solid position to challenge for a playoff spot. For a team expected to struggle, they have turned their season around, riding a wave of momentum powered by Nix’s evolving skill set, a defense that’s finding its stride, and a coaching staff determined to maximize the team’s strengths.
Yet, the Broncos have little room for error; they’ll need to sustain this momentum to secure a spot in the postseason.
The team’s ability to improve on their early-game scoring woes and continue to execute consistently will be pivotal. The next two games will reveal whether Denver is ready to compete at the highest level or if the early-season success is simply a result of favorable matchups.
What was supposed to be a rebuilding season has now transformed into an exciting campaign filled with hope. As they head into the season’s midpoint, the Broncos are proving they have much more to offer than anticipated, with five wins secured and a challenging, yet promising, road ahead.
For Broncos fans, there’s reason for optimism. Nix’s play suggests the Broncos may have found a quarterback capable of leading a playoff run, while the defense, led by young stars like Surtain, has rediscovered its identity. If the Broncos can address lingering offensive issues and improve their slow starts, they have a chance to not only reach the playoffs but make an impact once they’re there.
Denver’s performance on Sunday wasn’t just a win, but a statement of what this team can become.
