The Denver Broncos (7-2) defeated the Carolina Panthers (3-5) in a 26-21 thriller on Sunday afternoon. With that victory, Denver set an NFL record with victories in their last 15 one-score games. Here are five quick takeaways following yet another close one for the Broncos.
1. Devon Key’s interception flipped the game: Denver was trailing 14-13 in the third quarter and Carolina appeared to be on the verge of scoring again from the one-yard line. Then Bryce Young's pass to Tommy Tremble bounced off the tight end's arm and into the hands of Broncos safety Devon Key. The play was initially ruled an incomplete pass, but Broncos coach Sean Payton threw a challenge flag before the Panthers snapped the ball for their next play. Officials granted that
challenge, which Payton won, and Denver was awarded a touchback. So instead of potentially going down 21-13, the Broncos took over at their 20-yard line and marched 80 yards before running back Jonah Coleman scored a go-ahead touchdown. That Key takeaway swung the game.
2. Denver’s run game is still struggling: Coleman had a fine day overall, rushing 17 times for 57 yards and a score, but his average of 3.4 yards per carry is still less than the Broncos would like — especially against a Carolina defense that ranked fifth-worst in the NFL going into Sunday's game, allowing 4.8 yards per carry to opponents. Coleman also had four receptions for 31 yards, so it certainly wasn't a bad performance overall for him, but Denver's run game remains inefficient. Perhaps that's something that can be addressed during the bye.
3. Pat Bryant’s return came at a good time: After being activated from injured reserve on Saturday, Bryant led the Broncos' offense with 56 receiving yards on four receptions and what proved to be a game-winning touchdown. Fellow receiver Jaylen Waddle suffered a concussion late in the second quarter and was ruled out at halftime, which made Bryant's return to the lineup crucial for Denver's passing attack.
4. Bo Nix and Co. were clutch once again: As is their custom, the Broncos' offense was a dud in the third quarter, scoring no points. But, as they love to do, the unit came alive in the fourth quarter with 13 points in the final period to win the game. Technically, that's another fourth-quarter comeback for Nix, his fifth this season and 13th of his career. Nix has had his struggles as a passer, but there's no denying that he's a clutch QB for Denver.
5. Broncos need the bye week to heal up: In addition to Waddle, cornerback Riley Moss was also knocked out of Sunday's game with a concussion. Additionally, cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine (ankle) and safeties Talanoa Hufanga (ankle) and Brandon Jones (hamstring) were inactive on Sunday. The bye will give those defenders extra time to heal up. Meanwhile, running back Tyler Badie (thumb) will be eligible to return from injured reserve in Week 12 and fellow running back RJ Harvey (knee) can return in Week 13.
Up next on the calendar is the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday. The Broncos will then have a bye in Week 10 before hosting the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: 5 takeaways from Broncos' 26-21 win over Panthers
