DENVER, Colo. (CHARLOTTE SPORTS LIVE) — The Denver Broncos scored 21 second-quarter points and defeated the Panthers 28-14 in Bryce Young’s return as starting quarterback Sunday.
Young, starting his first game since week two, threw a first-quarter touchdown to Xavier Legette, but the offense struggled to move the ball the rest of the game. The 2023 first-overall pick finished with 224 yards and two touchdowns, including a late score to Jalen Coker, but also threw two interceptions.
The loss dropped Carolina to 1-7; the Broncos moved to 5-3.
Denver rookie quarterback Bo Nix completed 28 of 37 passes for 284 yards and three touchdowns. His top targets were Courtland Sutton and Adam Trautman, with 100 yards and 85 yards and a touchdown, respectively.
The Panthers mustered only 69 rushing yards, with running back Chuba Hubbard picking up 56 on 15 carries.
Both teams had head-scratching plays in the fourth quarter — for different reasons. Down 21-7 in the middle of the third quarter and with the ball at their own 24 yard line, the Panthers attempted a fake punt. A pass from punter Johnny Hekker fell incomplete.
Then with the game in hand at 28-7 late in the fourth, the Broncos pulled off a double pass on a fourth down, with receiver Courtland Sutton connecting with fullback Michael Burton for a 28-yeard gain.
Coker’s touchdown was the fist of his career.
UP NEXT: Carolina hosts the Saints (2-6) Sunday, Nov. 3 at 1 p.m.