UP: Aggressive play-calling by Broncos’ offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, who has been under fire all season. Until that is, the end of the game, which nearly cost Denver.
DOWN: Garrett Bolles, the Broncos’ left tackle, was a game-day scratch because of an illness. It was the first time Bolles has missed a game.
UP: Charlotte weather. No overcoat or scarf or stocking cap required for a beautiful December afternoon in Charlotte (temperatures in the 60s and no wind).
UP: Broncos fans attending. The Broncos aren’t allowing fans to attend games at Mile High. Orange was noticeable throughout the Bank of America Stadium stands.
DOWN: Brandon McManus, who is nearly automatic from 50 yards out, missed two extra points.
UP: Sack by Dre’Mont Jones on Carolina’s last offensive series, a huge play when needed most.
DOWN: Vincent Bausby dropped an easy chance at an interception near the end of the first half of a deep ball thrown by Carolina quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
UP: Safety Will Parks is back! And, he contributed a sack in the first half.
UP: Hustle by Broncos’ wide receiver Jerry Jeudy in making a tackle after a fumble recovery by Carolina.
DOWN: Duke Dawson carted off with a knee injury, further depleting a battered Broncos secondary, which was chewed up by Bridgewater in the second half.
UP: Broncos’ punter Sam Martin bombed a 59-yard kick that saved Denver near game’s end. Martin’s punt, plus a holding penalty by Carolina on the return, put the Panthers back at their 27 with 3 minutes to play. Four plays went nowhere and Denver ran out the clock.
DOWN: Broncos’ coach Vic Fangio getting confused about when he should go for a 2-point conversion. A PAT gave Denver a 26-10 lead but after a penalty was called on Carolina, Fangio chose to go for 2. A pass play failed and Denver led 25-10.
UP: Screen passes! Denver, seemingly allergic to the screen this season, had several big plays via the screen, most notably to tight ends.
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