Instant reaction: Broncos rally in fourth quarter to defeat Panthers in another nailbiter

The Denver Broncos faced off against the Carolina Panthers in a Week 9 matchup on November 8, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The game was a back-and-forth battle that ultimately came down to the final quarter of play, with the Broncos securing a thrilling victory and extending their season record to 7-2.

The Broncos' offense struggled in the first half, as they scored just 10 points and were heavily outplayed by the Panthers' defense. Carolina entered the game with one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, and their third-down and red zone defenses also proved to be problematic for Denver. The Panthers' struggles on offense only grew worse as the game progressed, with the Broncos' defense only managing to come up with two big plays to save their team.

The turning point in the game came late in the fourth quarter, when the Broncos' offense finally ignited to score two touchdowns. The first was a 17-play drive that went for 80 yards, culminating in a touchdown run by running back Jonah Coleman. On their next possession, quarterback Bo Nix connected with wide receiver Pat Bryant on a 26-yard touchdown pass.

However, there was a moment of concern late in the game when Nix's pass to Coleman might have cost the Broncos the game. The play raised the collective blood pressure of Broncos Country, but ultimately, the Broncos' defense sealed the deal with a big turnover in the final minutes of play. With the victory, the Broncos secured their fifth consecutive win of the season and maintained their lead in the AFC West, giving them a solid position heading into the bye week.