The Carolina Panthers begin their post-Ejiro Evero era against the Denver Broncos this weekend. Head coach Dave Canales fired the defensive coordinator and pass-game coordinator Jonathan Cooley after one indifferent performance too many, but it's unclear whether these landmark changes will have the desired effect.
Todd Wash takes over the defense. He might not alter the scheme much in-season, but he should add a few intriguing wrinkles that maximize his players' strengths while bringing a little more aggression.
The Broncos are 6-2. They may not have fully clicked yet, but Sean Payton's men are finding ways to get the job done. Denver is well-balanced across the roster. If they can secure a productive running back before the 2026 trade deadline, a deep playoff run is possible.
Carolina is heading the other way, and Canales faces a real fight to turn the tide. They are once again underdogs on home turf, but they have tended to play up to their opposition when nobody expects it.
That provides some encouragement, at the very least. Before then, here are four bold Panthers predictions in Week 9 at Bank of America Stadium.
Bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers in Week 9 against the Broncos
Tetairoa McMillan gains 10 receptions
Carolina's most prolific receiving threat is Tetairoa McMillan. The wide receiver is playing well, but he'll face a huge test of his credentials against Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II this weekend.
Surtain missed time earlier in the season but hasn't skipped a beat since returning. He's one of the league's most accomplished shutdown corners, and it would be a big shock if he didn't shadow McMillan throughout the contest.
It's a daunting task, but if McMillan can win this matchup, the Panthers' hopes will improve.
Derrick Brown has a standout day
Speculation remains around defensive lineman Derrick Brown ahead of the trade deadline. The Panthers are reportedly refusing to consider offers from interested parties, but another loss here could make his situation increasingly precarious.
Brown is an outstanding player. You don't trade away a player with his talent or influence, and this is a good time for the 2020 first-round pick out of Auburn to remind the world how dominant he can be when firing on all cylinders.
Expect a massive game from Brown to silence his doubters.
Tre'von Moehrig gains 12+ tackles
The Panthers' defensive problems have brought a lot of blame. Evero and Cooley paid with their jobs, but the players must also hold themselves accountable for how things have unfolded so far.
Tre'von Moehrig has quietly become one of the biggest disappointments this season, which is surprising. The hard-hitting and versatile safety hasn't met the standards he set for himself last season, but he should still have a significant role to play with Wash now running the show.
Moehrig has talent. With veteran linebacker Bobby Okereke missing, being deployed closer to the line of scrimmage could result in a big tackling day for the defensive back.
Bryce Young outduels Bo Nix as Carolina Panthers win
The Panthers know that quarterback Bryce Young can come through in the clutch when given enough time to make plays. That is the primary goal here, but the signal-caller has the talent to outperform Bo Nix.
Young's last two performances haven't been great, but he's been a revelation this season overall. Denver's defense is a formidable obstacle, but if the offensive line can hold up under concerted pressure, the former Alabama standout can move the ball where it needs to go.
And who knows, perhaps this will provide the spark for a massive upset.
Add us as a preferred source on Google