The Carolina Panthers fell to the Denver Broncos in a close, yet disappointing loss, 26-21, suffering their third consecutive defeat and keeping the NFC South race wide open ahead of a critical trade deadline.
This was another tough break for Carolina, but then officiating played a role at numerous points, whether the call was good or not. Despite more heroics from Bryce Young, it wasn't enough, and the offensive line collapsed in a game they needed to win. Here are the gut reactions to Sunday's loss to the Broncos.
Gut reactions to Carolina Panthers' defeat against the Denver Broncos
1. There are certainly signs of a transition period needed for the Panthers' new defense, but the biggest sign of change and improvement has been from the defensive front. Interim defensive coordinator Todd Wash is implementing a one-gap attacking system that allows the pass rushers to attack off the edge and the interior to generate penetration at a consistent level.
2. The Panthers' offensive line didn't change much, other than Torricelli Simpkins starting at left guard over Corey Bullock, but when it mattered most, they failed again. Monroe Freeling was late off the snap too often, while Rasheed Walker allowed edge rusher Nik Bonitto to get the game-winning strip-sack as Carolina was driving downfield for the win.
3. Darren Waller turned back the clock to several years ago, when the veteran was dominating with the Las Vegas Raiders. Waller caught eight passes for 90 receiving yards and a touchdown, becoming a go-to target for Young on slants, downfield seams, and crossing patterns.
4. The Panthers' second offensive series of the third quarter may have been the one that decided the game. Offensive coordinator Brad Idzik called a pass play on first-and-goal that resulted in the unluckiest interception you'll ever see, although the officials missed a defensive pass interference on the play. This should've been a first-down run to Chuba Hubbard for a touchdown, but Idzik got too cute in the moment, something he did far too often.
5. While it was a bad officiating day, the Panthers' starting cornerbacks, Marco Wilson and Corey Thornton, committed too many penalties that hurt Carolina on several defensive series. I appreciate how admirably those two played, and they each had some good moments, including an interception by Thornton in the first half. The Panthers need Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson Sr. back ASAP.
6. Derrick Brown was in the backfield often today, but was it enough to keep the Panthers from making a move to send their star defensive tackle for a luxurious trade package? The next 24 to 48 hours will be an interesting time as fans anxiously await what the Panthers do here.
7. Bryce Young, who went 28 of 39 for 276 yards and three touchdowns to one interception, gave the Panthers a shot at winning this game at the end of the day. He was terrific after two back-to-back tough performances, but the throws he made despite the offensive line issues were incredible and a big reason why the team can stay in games despite the lack of proper protection.
8. Questions must be asked about Dave Canales' process as a head coach. This is the first time I've come to question him entirely, and it is fair to ask if he needs to make more moves with his staff and force some hands. Or is he too timid and relaxed as a coach to be aggressive when the moment is needed, on and off the field? Fans need answers quickly.
9. Personally, the Panthers must address the offensive line before even considering trading Derrick Brown. This unit has once again cost the team another win, and you won't win many games with this group, even with injuries to it. Whether it is the return of Brady Christensen, Damien Lewis, or Ikem Ekwonu's hopeful return down the road, Carolina must make a couple of moves for offensive linemen.
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