The Carolina Panthers put up a solid fight on Sunday but fell short in a 26-21 loss to the Denver Broncos at Bank of America Stadium. The team racked up 353 total yards, marking the fifth time this season they crossed the 350-yard mark. Quarterback Bryce Young threw for 276 yards and three touchdowns, showing he can move the ball when given time. He completed 28 of 39 passes for a 71.8 percent completion percentage, his best showing of the year.
Running back Chuba Hubbard also did his part, gaining 96 total yards on the ground and through the air. To open the season, he has accumulated a minimum of 60 scrimmage yards across eight consecutive contests. That is the longest such streak by any Carolina running back to open a season in team history.
A Bizarre Call Turns the Tide
Carolina held a 14-7 lead early in the third quarter after Young found Darren Waller for a 15-yard score. Officials reviewed a play after the Panthers had already snapped the ball for the next down. Denver coach Sean Payton had thrown his challenge flag before the snap, even though the play had already started. Denver safety Devon Key was credited by officials with an interception on a pass that bounced off tight end Tommy Tremble’s hand.
Tremble expressed his shock at the situation during post-game remarks. “No one thought that was a possibility,” Tremble said of the late review. “We ran a play. I’ve never seen someone run a play full through and then get a challenge for a previous play. I didn’t think that was possible. It’s unfortunate for that to happen to us.” That interception gave Denver the ball at their own 20-yard line and killed Carolina’s chance to extend the lead.
Broncos Win Close Games by Design
Denver has now won 16 straight games decided by one score or fewer. Broncos coach Sean Payton noted that this consistency does not happen by chance. “When those things keep falling your way, that’s not by accident,” Payton said. Quarterback Bo Nix agreed, saying his team feels at ease in high-pressure moments.
While controlling the game effectively, Nix passed for 237 yards and two touchdowns. He completed a key third-down QB sneak to seal the win after Denver recovered a late strip-sack fumble. Nik Bonitto made that play by setting up left tackle Rasheed Walker with inside moves before rushing outside. The Broncos capitalized on the momentum shift to drive 80 yards for a touchdown with 10:17 left.
Looking Ahead to New Orleans
They will face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Nov. 15 at 1 p.m. ET. A streak of 10 straight games with a touchdown pass now belongs to Young, tying the third-longest active run in the NFL.
