The Denver Broncos have focused on themselves all week long as they make strides with a tougher part of the schedule approaching. Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers will be a test and measure of how the team’s focus comes into play against teams they should beat. What are some of the key things to watch for on Sunday?
Denver Broncos defense must fluster Carolina Panthers offense
The Denver Broncos defense has been one of the league’s top units this season in most of the important metrics. They’re currently the third-ranked defense in net yards per game allowed, holding opponents to 282.4 yards per game. After being the league’s worst-ranked run defense in 2023, the revamped front seven has become a top-ten run defense, holding opponents to an average of 111.7 yards per game (10th) overall.
Denver is also the league’s best defense in yards per play allowed, holding opponents to an average of 4.39 yards per play. Not only are they restricting the field for opposing offenses, but they’re also setting their opponents backward on a consistent basis, coming in 2nd overall in total sacks with 28 through seven weeks of play.
Nik Bonitto leads the way with five, Jonathon Cooper is right behind him at 4.5, and Zach Allen is there with 4.0.
On paper, Sunday’s game should see the Broncos defense fluster the Panthers offense and second-year quarterback Bryce Young, who starts in place of an injured Andy Dalton. Young will be without receivers Adam Thielen and Diontae Johnson as the Panthers enter Sunday’s matchup shorthanded, which doesn’t help their bottom-ranked offense.
Carolina’s offense has struggled mightily this year, which has been a contributing factor to their 1-6 overall record.
The Panthers offense is struggling in almost every major statistical category.
- Net Yards Per Game – 281.6 yards per game – 29th.
- Yards Per Play – 4.88 yards per play – 25th.
- Points Per Game – 15.7 points per game – 28th.
- Passes Intercepted – nine – 31st.
- Giveaways – 12 – 30th.
- Third Down Conversion Rate – 30.9% – 30th.
Denver’s defense has to find ways to continue to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Young’s mobility is something they’ll have to account for, with the possibility of scramble drill opportunities coming up.
The Broncos are hoping to avoid the slow starts that have impacted them at home as they look to get their fifth win of the season.
Kickoff is 2:25 p.m. MT on CBS.
