Broncos Outlast Panthers 32-27 Behind Big Performance by Lock

 The Broncos went into Carolina on Sunday in a matchup that featured two 4-8 teams. Denver still has a lot to play for and they want to finish the year strong. I would love to see them win the last four and go 8-8. They got one win out of the way with a 32-27 victory over the Panthers to improve to 5-8 on the season. This was one of Drew Lock's best performances of his career as he threw four TDs to help Denver hold off the Panthers. It was fun game and good day for the Broncos all around. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game...

1) The story of the game for the Broncos was Drew Lock. He went 21-27 for 280 yards and 4 TDs. He made two big time TD throws to KJ Hamler to help the Broncos extend the lead. It was one of his best days as a Bronco and it was the kind of performance he needed and quite frankly the entire fanbase needed to see. Let's hope he continues to play like that down the stretch.

2) The Broncos just can't seem to catch a break this year. LT Garrett Bolles was downgraded to OUT right before the game due to a stomach illness. Noah Fant also left the game early due to a stomach illness. Both players cleared COVID tests, so it could have been food poisoning or a stomach bug. The offensive line played well even without Bolles.

3) I thought this was also Pat Shurmur's best game from a play-calling standpoint. I loved the play-action on 1st and goal for the Broncos TD right before the half, and I love the play action boot pass to Tim Patrick to extend the Broncos lead to 25-10.

4) The Broncos had their first punt return TD since 2015 when Diontae Spencer went 80 yards to open the scoring in the first quarter. On the flip side, Brandon McManus had an off day when he missed two extra points.

5) The defense lost another CB when Duke Dawson went down with a knee injury. That leaves DaVante Bausby and Michael Ojemudia as our two starting CBs, with Will Parks playing nickel corner. With that said, our secondary played pretty well and our pass rush caused problems with Teddy Bridgewater all game long. Give Bausby credit because he made the game-saving tackle on a 4th and 8 to win the game.

6) Overall, it was a fun win for the Broncos. They got a special teams return touchdown, Lock threw four TDs, they scored over 30 points and their banged up defense made enough plays to win the game. Hopefully, they can continue their winning ways and pull the upset over the 10-3 Bills at home in a special Saturday afternoon special.