Photos from throughout the Broncos' history with the Panthers.
Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway (7) runs upfield during an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers on November 9,1997. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 34-0. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Rod Smith (80) catches a pass in front of Carolina Panthers cornerback Tyrone Poole (38) during an NFL game on November 9,1997. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 34-0. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Denver Broncos linebacker John Mobley (51) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Kerry Collins (12) during an NFL game on November 9,1997. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 34-0. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Denver Broncos cornerback Darrien Gordon (23) returns a punt for a touchdown during an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers on November 9,1997. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 34-0. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Denver Broncos Hall of Fame running back Terrell Davis (30) is wrapped up by Carolina Panthers safety Chad Cota (37) during an NFL game on November 9,1997. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 34-0. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Denver Broncos defensive tackle Maa Tanuvasa (98), defensive end Harald Hasselbach (96), and linebacker John Mobley team up to stop Carolina Panthers running back Fred Lane (32) during an NFL game on November 9,1997. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 34-0. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Jake Plummer rushes the ball during the NFL game against the Carolina Panthers on October 10, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Ellis Johnson sacks Jake Delhomme during the NFL game against the Carolina Panthers on October 10, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Al Wilson makes a tackle during the NFL game against the Carolina Panthers on October 10, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Jake Plummer fires a pass downfield during the NFL game against the Carolina Panthers on October 10, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Reuben Droughns rushes the ball during the NFL game against the Carolina Panthers on October 10, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Reuben Droughns rushes the ball during the NFL game against the Carolina Panthers on October 10, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Jason Elam converts a field goal attempt during the NFL game against the Carolina Panthers on October 10, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
The Broncos offensive unit at the line of scrimmage during the NFL game against the Carolina Panthers on October 10, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Jake Plummer drops back into the pocket during the NFL game against the Carolina Panthers on October 10, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Rod Smith heads upfield after making a reception during the Broncos' win over Carolina in 2004.
Champ Bailey lines up to defend a Panthers wide receiver before the snap during the Broncos' win over Carolina in 2004.
Reuben Droughns rushes the ball during the Broncos' win over Carolina in 2004.
Jake Delhomme fires a pass downfield during the Broncos' win over Carolina in 2004.
Reuben Droughns celebrates his touchdown reception during the Broncos' win over Carolina in 2004.
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) forces a fumble during fourth quarter action against the Carolina Panthers in the NFL game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC on November 11, 2012.
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) celebrates a sack of quarterback Cam Newton during first quarter action against the Carolina Panthers in the NFL game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC on November 11, 2012.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) prepares to take the snap during first quarter action against the Carolina Panthers in the NFL game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC on November 11, 2012.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Trindon Holliday (11) returns a punt 76 yards for a touchdown during second quarter action against the Carolina Panthers in the NFL game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC on November 11, 2012.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) prepares to take the snap during third quarter action against the Carolina Panthers in the NFL game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC on November 11, 2012.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Stokley (14) heads to the end zone on a 10 yard reception for a touchdown during first quarter action against the Carolina Panthers in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium in Charlotte,NC November 11, 2012.
Denver Broncos cornerback Tony Carter (32) intercepts a Carolina Panthers Cam Newton pass intended for Brandon LaFell and races 40 yards for a touchdown during third quarter action against the in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium in Charlotte,NC November 11, 2012.
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) sacks Carolina panthers Cam Newton (1) for a 6 yard loss does his own version of "Superman" during first quarter action in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium in Charlotte,NC November 11, 2012.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) on a 15 yard catch and run during second quarter action against the Carolina Panthers in the NFL game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC on November 11, 2012.
Denver Broncos safety Mike Adams (20) celebrates sacking the quarterback for a safety during fourth quarter action against the Carolina Panthers in the NFL game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC on November 11, 2012.
Denver Broncos running back Willis McGahee (23) carries on a 7 yard run during third quarter action against the Carolina Panthers in the NFL game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte,NC November 11, 2012.
Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (21) plows across the goal line on a 5 yard touchdown run as Carolina Panthers Luke Kuechly (59) tries the stop during fourth quarter action against the Carolina Panthers in the NFL game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte,NC November 11, 2012.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) hauls in a 46 yard pass during fourth quarter action against the Carolina Panthers in the NFL game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte,NC November 11, 2012.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) drops back to pass during first quarter action against the Carolina Panthers during Super Bowl 50 game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, February 07, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos tight end Owen Daniels (81) on a 18 yard reception during first quarter action against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, February 7, 2016. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) forces the ball out of Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton's (1) hands resulting in a Denver Broncos defensive touchdown during first quarter action against the Carolina Panthers during Super Bowl 50 game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, February 07, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) forces the ball out of Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton's (1) hands resulting in a Broncos defensive touchdown during first quarter action in Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, February 07, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive tackle Malik Jackson (97) recovers a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown during first quarter action against the Carolina Panthers during Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, February 07, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos defensive tackle Malik Jackson (97) and defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) tackle Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) during first quarter action against the Carolina Panthers during Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, February 07, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos cornerback Kayvon Webster (36) and Aqib Talib (21) celebrate a big stop on punt coverage during first quarter action against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, February 7, 2016. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos linebacker Danny Trevathan (59) celebrates his fumble recovery against the Carolina Panthers during second quarter action in the NFL Super Bowl 50 at Santa Clara, Calif. February 7, 2016 (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jordan Norwood (11) returns a punt for 61 yards during second quarter action against the Carolina Panthers during Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, February 07, 2016. Norwoods' return set a new Super Bowl record for the longest punt return. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) carries for 34-yards during second quarter action against the Carolina Panthers in the NFL Super Bowl 50 at Santa Clara, Calif. February 7, 2016 (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) for a 14 yard loss during fourth quarter action in Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, February 7, 2016. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25) pushes Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) out of bounds before he could catch a pass during third quarter action against the Carolina Panthers during Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, February 07, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) drops back to pass during third quarter action against the Carolina Panthers during Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, February 07, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos kicker Brandon McManus (8) watches his PAT attempt after Denver scored on a forced fumble during first quarter action against the Carolina Panthers in the NFL Super Bowl 50 at Santa Clara, Calif. February 7, 2016 (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos cornerback Bradley Roby (29) breaks up a pass intended for Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. (19) during fourth quarter action against the Carolina Panthers in the NFL Super Bowl 50 at Santa Clara, Calif. February 7, 2016 (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) breaks up a pass to Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery (82) during third quarter action in the NFL Super Bowl 50 at Santa Clara, Calif. February 7, 2016 (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) strip sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during fourth quarter action in Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, February 7, 2016. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos safety T.J. Ward (43) recovers a fumble during fourth quarter action against the Carolina Panthers during Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, February 07, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) celebrates a forced fumble and sack during fourth quarter action against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, February 7, 2016. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) carries the ball for a 2 yard touchdown run during fourth quarter action against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, February 7, 2016. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) reacts after scoring a 2-yard touchdown during fourth quarter action against the Carolina Panthers during Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, February 07, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Bennie Fowler (16) hauls in a pass for a two-point conversion during fourth quarter action against the Carolina Panthers giving Denver a 24-10 lead in the NFL Super Bowl 50 at Santa Clara, Calif. February 7, 2016 (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos safety Shiloh Keo (33), cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25) and defensive end Antonio Smith (90) pray together after defeating the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, February 07, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) shakes hands with Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) after action in Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, February 7, 2016. Photo by Ben Hays.
John Elway hoists the Lombardi Trophy after the Broncos won Super Bowl 50 against the Carolina Panthers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, February 07, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Peyton Manning hoists the Lombardi Trophy after the Broncos won Super Bowl 50 against the Carolina Panthers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, February 07, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos safety T.J. Ward (43) pressures Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during second quarter action against the Carolina Panthers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, September 08, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) carries the ball during third quarter action against the Carolina Panthers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, September 08, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) drops back to pass during first quarter action against the Carolina Panthers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, September 08, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos linebacker Shane Ray (56) tackles Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) during first quarter action against the Carolina Panthers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, September 08, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) carries the ball during third quarter action against the Carolina Panthers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, September 08, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) scrambles during third quarter action against the Carolina Panthers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, September 08, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos running back Devontae Booker (23) carries the ball during first quarter action against the Carolina Panthers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, September 08, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) celebrates after sacking Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during third quarter action against the Carolina Panthers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, September 08, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25) reacts after an interception during fourth quarter action against the Carolina Panthers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, September 08, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) under center during fourth quarter action against the Carolina Panthers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, September 08, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos Andy Janovich (32) scores on a 28-yard run during second quarter action against the Carolina Panthers in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, Colo. September 8, 2016.
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) carries the ball into the endzone for a toushdown during fourth quarter action against the Carolina Panthers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, September 08, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) waits for the snap on defense during fourth quarter action against the Carolina Panthers in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, Colo. September 8, 2016.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) hangs on to a 9 yard reception on the final play of the 3rd quarter against the Carolina Panthers in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, Colo. September 8, 2016.
The Denver Broncos try to block a field goal attempt by Carolina Panthers placekicker Graham Gano (9) during fourth quarter action against the Carolina Panthers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, September 08, 2016. Gano missed the field goal. Photo by Gabriel Christus
The Denver Broncos react after Carolina Panthers placekicker Graham Gano (9) misses a 50-yard field goal during fourth quarter action against the Carolina Panthers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, September 08, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos linebacker Todd Davis (51) reacts after Carolina Panthers placekicker Graham Gano (9) misses a 50-yard field goal during fourth quarter action against the Carolina Panthers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, September 08, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) hugs Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) after game action against the Carolina Panthers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, September 08, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
The Broncos' regular-season opener isn't for another couple of months, but over the next few weeks, DenverBroncos.com will take an early look at each game on the Broncos' 2020 schedule. We don't know how injuries could impact each contest, but we'll present the pressing storylines, matchups, questions and more.
It's never too early to start talking football.
We continue with Denver's Week 14 game against the Carolina Panthers.
Storylines to monitor:
This is not the same Carolina Panthers team the Broncos faced four years ago in Super Bowl 50. At that time, Ron Rivera patrolled the sideline, Cam Newton stood under center, Greg Olsen ran routes down the seam and Luke Kuechly flew sideline to sideline. All four men have moved on, as has a large contingent of the rest of the roster. Just five Panthers from that 2015 team remain — and the turnover has been similar in Denver. Von Miller and Brandon McManus are the only starters from that championship season left on the Broncos' roster. Todd Davis (then a reserve linebacker) and Jeff Heuerman (on injured reserve) were also on Denver's roster.
This year's Panthers team seems more likely to build a new foundation under head coach Matt Rhule than it does to compete for a Super Bowl title. In the 2020 NFL Draft, Rhule and Co. used all seven of their picks to add talent to their defense. Offensively, the Panthers added quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and wide receiver Robby Anderson in free agency and already have do-it-all running back Christian McCaffrey on the roster. Denver's matchup against Carolina is late enough in the season that the Panthers' new-look roster should have time to jell.
A former Bronco should also make his first appearance against Denver. Center Matt Paradis, who spent the first five years of his career in Denver, now holds the starting job for the Panthers.
Player to watch:
RB Christian McCaffrey
In April, the Panthers finalized an extension with McCaffrey to keep him in Carolina for the foreseeable future — and for good reason. The son of former Broncos great Ed McCaffrey, Christian is the only player in NFL history to record at least 2,500 combined rushing and receiving yards over his first three seasons. In 2019, McCaffrey earned his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections as he rushed for 1,387 yards and 15 touchdowns and caught 116 passes for 1,005 yards and four touchdowns. An alum of Colorado's Valor Christian, McCaffrey is a threat at all times, both out of the backfield and from the slot. The Panthers appear to be reloading, but McCaffrey is talented enough to keep Carolina close in this game on his own.
The question mark:
Can the Broncos avoid a trap game?
According to ESPN's Mike Clay's projections, the Broncos have just one game on their schedule with a higher win probability than this Week 14 game against Carolina. Clay projects the Broncos have a 72 percent chance to win this road game, and if the Broncos are going to reach the playoffs in 2020, it feels like they need a win against a rebuilding team. But that win probability exists somewhat in a vacuum. In reality, the Broncos will head to Carolina for an 11 a.m. MT game after perhaps the hardest two-week stretch of their season: a home game against New Orleans and a "Sunday Night Football" game in Kansas City. Carolina is a worthy opponent and will require the Broncos' best effort, but it's also a very winnable game. The Broncos cannot allow a potential loss against either of those other opponents to turn into another loss against Carolina. In each of the last three seasons, the Broncos have had a losing streak of at least four games. They need to prevent the losses — which are inevitable at times — from stacking in 2020.
The last meeting:
Just seven months after the Broncos defeated the Panthers in Super Bowl 50, they welcomed Carolina to Denver for a season-opening rematch. In that season-opening win, the Broncos surged back from a 17-7 halftime deficit to earn a 21-20 win when Panthers kicker Graham Gano missed a 50-yard field goal with four seconds to play. In the first start of his career, Trevor Siemian led the Broncos to a pair of second-half touchdowns. Chris Harris Jr. played a pivotal role in setting up the second score, as he tipped a Newton pass and dove for a game-changing interception in Panthers territory. Rookie Andy Janovich provided a highlight earlier in the game, as he scored a 28-yard touchdown on a fullback run.
