DENVER — The Broncos have earned a key home win in Week 8.
After an early turnover set up a Carolina score that left Denver trailing 7-0, the Broncos responded with 28 unanswered points to put the game out of reach and secure the team's second home victory of the season.
Led by quarterback Bo Nix, who posted the best game of his young career, the Broncos put together three consecutive touchdown drives to take a 21-7 lead into halftime. Denver's defense allowed a touchdown on the final Carolina drive, but otherwise shut the Panthers' offense down after the initial moments en route to the team's fifth win in six games.
These were the players and plays that made the difference in the Broncos' Week 8 win over the Carolina Panthers.
GAME-CHANGING MOMENT
The Broncos turned the ball over on their first possession of the game and quickly found themselves down 7-0. After a third-down sack forced a Riley Dixon punt on Denver's second offensive possession, the Broncos' special teams downed the ball on the 1-yard line. With Carolina pinned deep in their own territory, Denver's defense forced a three-and-out and set up the Broncos' first scoring drive of the day. Denver took control and never looked back, scoring 28 unanswered points to secure the victory.
DEFINING STATISTIC
11-of-17.
Denver found success sustaining drives in Week 8, posting the team's best third-down performance of the season. The Broncos were 11-of-17 on third down and started the game 10-of-12.
Denver's offensive leaders have spoken often about the need to improve on third down, as their previous best performance this year came via a 36.4 percent conversion rate in Week 7. On Sunday, the Broncos took a big step forward and were able to sustain drives. Denver was particularly good on third down in the first half, as the team converted eight of its nine third-down chances before halftime.
MEMORABLE HIGHLIGHT
With just under 7 minutes remaining in the first half, tight end Adam Trautman made a one-handed touchdown reception to give the Broncos a lead they would never relinquish. It was Nix's second touchdown pass of the game and was the second of three consecutive touchdown drives for Denver.
BOX-SCORE STANDOUTS
Adam Trautman posted the most productive game of his career, recording 85 receiving yards and adding a touchdown reception, while Nate Adkins recorded the first touchdown reception of his career.
Bo Nix posted the most-productive game of his career, completing 28-of-37 passes for 284 yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions and a 124.2 quarterback rating. He also added a 1-yard rushing touchdown as he became the winningest rookie quarterback in franchise history.
In his first game back from injury, Pat Surtain II recorded his third interception of the season.
Nik Bonitto recorded his sixth consecutive game with a sack this season, which ties the third-longest streak in franchise history with a full sack.
Courtland Sutton caught eight passes for 100 yards to post his first 100-yard game since Week 2 of 2022.
