The Denver Broncos have been the kings of one-score games since the start of the 2025 season. Their 26-21 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday marks 16 straight victories in one-score games.
Like most of their games, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Here are some takeaways from Denver’s victory.
Broncos Pull Off NFL Record: Three Takeaways From the 26-21 Victory
1. Denver’s Defense Looked Shaky but Got the Job Done in the Big Moments
The Broncos’ defense at times looked a bit flustered Sunday afternoon. Panthers’ receivers were constantly finding too much open space. The most notable instance was on a fourth-and-18 conversion in the fourth quarter when quarterback Bryce Young found receiver John Metchie III for a first down. This led to a touchdown and kept the Panthers in the game.
Throughout the entire season, the Broncos’ defense has been making the big plays in the big moments. Despite the struggles, Denver made some huge plays at pivotal moments. The first came on one of the weirdest interceptions in recent history.
On first-and-goal from the 1-yard line, Young attempted to find tight end Tommy Tremble in the endzone, but it was defended well by linebacker Justin Strnad and was incomplete. However, upon review, the ball actually deflected off Tremble and fell into the arms of safety Devon Key.
“I just turned around and saw the ball in there; let me get my hands on it. I’ve been telling people that I caught that right, because my initial reaction was to turn and run, and then they had blown it dead,” Key said. “I want to give credit to J-Mac (Ja’Quan McMillian) because he’s the one that gave coach a nod to say, ‘Hey, we need to throw that challenge flag.’” (via Denver Broncos YouTube)
That was Key’s first interception of his career and it’s one he will never forget.
Then, late in the fourth quarter, the Broncos defense once again came up in the clutch, as predicted in an earlier game preview. Linebacker Nik Bonitto came storming off the edge to strip-sack Bryce Young and recovered the football which helped seal the victory for Denver.
“I’m setting it up all day,” Bonitto said. “Ball was getting out quick; I know this could be one of my last rushes, so I’m just trying to make a play for the team.” ( via Denver Broncos YouTube )
Bonitto has only obtained 4.5 sacks so far this season but has the third-highest pressure rate out of all pass rushers with a rate of 20.6%.
2. Pat Bryant is Going to be a Problem Going Forward.
Pat Bryant made his return from injured reserve this week and immediately made an impact for the Broncos offense. The second-year receiver led the team with four receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown as well. Broncos head coach Sean Payton was certainly thrilled to have a core receiver back with the offense.
“Strong hands in traffic,” Payton said. Football IQ, run after the catch—all the stuff you guys saw. He was on point during the week.” (via Denver Broncos YouTube )
Bryant is just another reliable weapon Bo Nix can feed and Broncos fans should be thrilled about his return.
3. The Bye Week Comes at a Perfect Time
The Broncos sit atop their division and in second place in the AFC, but like many teams, they are more than banged up with injuries. To start, Denver played without both of their starting safeties on Sunday. Talanoa Hufanga has missed four straight games with an ankle injury and Brandon Jones reactivated a hamstring injury.
They are also without second-year running back RJ Harvey, who suffered a non-contact knee injury in practice last week. Harvey was placed on short-term injured reserve, and is eligible to return Week 13 vs the Miami Dolphins.
The Broncos also lost two starters during the game as well. Riley Moss and Jaylen Waddle both suffered concussions and left the game. The majority of these guys should be fresh and ready to go after the bye week.
Not a Typical 7-2 Team
The Broncos are definitely not your average 7-2 team. At times they can look like a really bad team, but then in an instant they have the ability to just flip a switch. It comes down to them playing at their very best when the pressure is the highest.
The Broncos will have a bye next week and will be back at home in Week 11 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Denver’s bye week falls on the same week as the trade deadline, so if Denver were to make any significant moves, it buys them more time to get any new acquisitions prepared for their next game.
Main Image: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
