The Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers 26-21 on Sunday afternoon, setting an NFL record with their sixteenth consecutive victory in regular-season games decided by a single possession, as Huddle Magazine reported.
Denver opened the scoring with a field goal before Bo Nix connected with Courtland Sutton for a touchdown, capping a 10-0 first quarter that marked the Broncos’ best opening period of the season.
Carolina responded before halftime with an 86-yard drive that ended in a Tommy Tremble touchdown. Bryce Young then found Darren Waller in the middle of the field early in the third quarter to give the Panthers a 14-13 lead.
The game shifted in the third quarter when Carolina drove to the one-yard line looking to extend their lead. Young targeted Tremble, but the pass deflected off the tight end’s arm directly into the hands of Broncos safety Devon Key.
Denver head coach Sean Payton successfully challenged the initial incomplete ruling before the Panthers could snap the next play. Instead of facing a potential 21-13 deficit, the Broncos took over at their 20-yard line.
Denver marched 80 yards, finishing the drive when running back Jonah Coleman scored a go-ahead touchdown to put the Broncos ahead. Nix then connected with Pat Bryant on a touchdown pass to push the lead.
Bryce Young finished the afternoon completing 28 of 39 passes for 276 yards and three touchdowns, earning a 106.4 passer rating. Waller led Carolina with eight receptions for 90 yards.
Broncos 26, Panthers 21 — Denver delivers a fourth-quarter comeback in Charlotte and improves to 7-2. The Broncos led 10-0 early, trailed 14-13 after three quarters, then outscored Carolina 13-7 in the fourth. Half of Denver's points came in the final period. Bryce Young… pic.twitter.com/HS4plIVWGv
Tetairoa McMillan caught a late touchdown with just over three minutes remaining to pull the Panthers within five points at 26-21, following a clutch fourth-and-18 conversion to John Metchie III.
After a botched pitch between Nix and Coleman nearly handed possession back to Carolina late in the game, the Panthers drove to the Denver 36-yard line with 1:49 remaining.
Denver edge rusher Nik Bonitto ended the threat by beating offensive tackle Rasheed Walker, sacking Young, forcing a fumble, and recovering the ball himself to seal the win.
Following their Week 10 bye, the Broncos will host the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11.
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