Week 9 Preview: Can the Carolina Panthers Keep Up With the Denver Broncos?

The Carolina Panthers host the Denver Broncos in a Week 9 matchup, aiming to halt a two-game skid while defending their NFC South lead. Denver arrives atop the AFC West following a win over the Kansas City Chiefs and holds a 7-2 historical edge over Carolina. The writer notes that Denver thrives late in games, generating seven second-half passing touchdowns behind quarterback Bo Nix.

Carolina must manage Denver's defense, which ranks tied for fourth in the NFL with 23 sacks led by Nik Bonitto, Jonathan Cooper, and Zach Allen. To counter Denver's pass rush against quarterback Bryce Young, the writer argues that Carolina needs quick passes and an effective running game via Chuba Hubbard to keep the contest competitive.