Rookie quarterback Bo Nix threw for three touchdowns and ran for another and the Denver Broncos kept visiting Carolina’s sluggish offense in check in beating the Panthers 28-14 on Sunday.
Nix completed 28 of 37 throws for 284 yards, with 11 Broncos making at least one reception.
The return of quarterback Bryce Young, the 2023 draft’s first overall pick, to a starting role didn’t provide much of a spark for the Panthers (1-7) even though the team produced the game’s first touchdown.
Young, who made his first start since the season’s second game, was 24-for-37 for 224 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions as Carolina lost its fifth consecutive game. Andy Dalton, who started the past five games at quarterback for the Panthers, was the backup after sustaining a minor thumb injury in an automobile accident Tuesday.
The season isn’t half complete and the Panthers already have lost to three teams with rookie starting quarterbacks (Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears and Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders).
Denver (5-3) scored on its second possession of the second half after Carolina’s failed fake punt. The 23-yard drive ended with Nix connecting with Jaleel McLaughlin for a 9-yard TD and a 28-7 lead.
The Panthers drove into Denver territory on the ensuing possession, but Pat Surtain II intercepted Young. Another trip into Broncos territory ended with Ja’Quan McMillian’s interception at the goal line.
The Broncos rolled up a 21-7 halftime lead, with Nix throwing for 220 yards before the break.
The Panthers scored first, converting after a Denver fumble. Young threw for 6 yards to Xaiver Legette to complete the 49-yard drive.
Field possession turned in the Broncos’ favor and they took advantage, going 55 yards to score on Nix’s 3-yard pass to Nate Adkins.
The next touchdown drive took more work, going 92 yards in seven plays with Nix throwing 19 yards to Adam Trautman for the touchdown. Nix was 5-for-5 on the drive.
The Panthers gambled and didn’t convert on fourth-and-2 from their own 48. The Broncos made them pay on a 10-play march, with Nix scoring from 1 yard out with 1:12 left in the half.
Carolina added the final points with 18 seconds left in the game as Young threw 15 yards to Jalen Coker.
