cadillacnews
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Sometimes NFL play callers overcomplicate matters, and Sunday provided a prime example.
Carolina Panthers first-year offensive coordinator Brad Idzik opted for a pass from Bryce Young to tight end Tommy Tremble in the crowded left corner of the end zone on first-and-goal from the Denver 1-yard line, rather than simply handing the ball to running back Chuba Hubbard. The result, after a somewhat controversial challenge flag toss, was an interception by Broncos safety Devon Key and a touchback.
The turnover dramatically shifted the game's momentum. The Panthers held a 14-13 lead and were looking to extend it before the fourth quarter. Instead, Denver marched 80 yards for a go-ahead touchdown on a 9-yard run by Jonah Coleman, then added another touchdown on its next drive to secure a 26-21 victory.
A quarterback sneak with the 5-foot-10, 200-pound Young under center doesn't suit Carolina's strengths—he's no Josh Allen. But feeding Hubbard, whether once, twice, three times, or even four, does. Hubbard has 28 rushing touchdowns since 2021 and is built low to the ground, falling forward and rarely losing yardage. He is an extremely valuable asset near the goal line, and chances are he would have scored sooner rather than later.
Panthers head coach Dave Canales defended the call after the game: "With four downs, you got to be able to sequence it and you have more options to be able to do that. Felt like we had space and felt like we had a great play to be able to take advantage of that."
What's Working
Despite the interception, Young delivered a solid bounce-back performance, completing 28 of 39 passes for 276 yards and three touchdowns, even with shaky pass protection. He had two turnovers, the second a sack-fumble on Carolina's final offensive play that he never saw coming from his blindside. The Panthers' pass protection remains a concern, with Young sacked nine times in the past two games. Help may be on the way with left tackle Ickey Ekwonu set to return this month after a knee injury suffered in last year's playoffs.
What Needs Help
Carolina is also waiting for cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson to return, and the wait has been painful. Along with Horn and Jackson, the Panthers were without Akayleb Evans and Will Lee III on Sunday, forcing them to rely on practice squad callups Corey Thornton and Marco Wilson—their fifth and sixth options at cornerback. That duo combined for five pass interference penalties against Denver. Broncos coach Sean Payton targeted both cornerbacks early, running the same deep route on the first two plays of the game, a tactic he said he has used only one other time in his career. Quarterback Bo Nix confirmed the Broncos aimed to exploit Carolina's cornerback situation. "I love two deep shots on the first couple plays, to get our guys running and make them adjust, make them back up a little bit," Nix said. "I think that honestly helped throughout the game. Back them up, but also make them be a little bit physical. It helped with some pass interferences as the game went on."
Stock Up
Panthers general manager Dan Morgan continues to reap rewards from signing 34-year-old unrestricted free agent tight end Darren Waller over the summer. The 6-foot-6 Waller has provided Young with a big, reliable target and turned in another strong performance Sunday, catching eight of 10 targets for 90 yards and a touchdown. He leads the Panthers with four touchdown receptions.
Stock Down
Kicker Ryan Fitzgerald had a rough day, missing a 43-yard field goal in the first quarter and sending a kickoff out of bounds, giving Denver excellent field position at the 40. He had entered the game 13 for 13 on field goal attempts.
Injuries
The Panthers emerged from Sunday's game relatively injury-free. Canales said the plan is to open the 21-day practice window for wide receiver Xavier Legette this week as he looks to return from injured reserve, but added it's still too early to know if Horn or Jackson are ready to resume practice.
Key Number
3 — The Panthers converted all three of their fourth-down attempts, marking the seventh game in team history in which they've attempted at least three fourth downs and converted all of them.
Next Steps
The Panthers head to New Orleans next Sunday to face the Saints, with the winner taking sole possession of first place in the NFC South.
Originally reported by cadillacnews.