The Denver Broncos (4-3) are set to host the Carolina Panthers (1-6) in Week 8 of the 2024 NFL season on Sunday, Oct. 27. Here are five storylines to keep an eye on going into the cross-conference showdown at Empower Field at Mile High.
1. Pat Surtain’s (expected) return to action: Suratin’s final status will be revealed when the injury report is released later today, but PS2 seems to be trending toward playing in Week 8. In his first game back from a concussion, will the star cornerback have any rust or pick right up where he left off?
2. Audric Estime’s ball security: Broncos veteran running back Javonte Williams gave Estime a football to carry around this week after the rookie fumbled twice on his first nine carries in the NFL. If Estime wants to remain a part of the backfield rotation, he needs to protect the ball better on Sundays. This week is shaping up as a good matchup for Denver’s suddenly-hot rushing attack as the Panthers’ defense has allowed 162.1 rushing yards per game, making them the worst run defense in the NFL.
3. Bryce Young vs. Denver’s defense: Young was benched after throwing three interceptions and no touchdowns in his first two games this season. After Andy Dalton injured his thumb in a car accident earlier this week, Young is now set to start for the Panthers in Week 8. This week, the second-year QB will face a Broncos defense that ranks third in yards allowed (282.4), fifth in passing yards allowed (170.7) and third in points allowed (15.1) per game. Denver has 10 takeaways this season and the team’s 28 sacks rank second in the NFL. On paper, this looks like a nightmare matchup for Young to make his return to the starting lineup.
4. Josey Jewell and Co. vs. Broncos: Carolina’s defense is coached by ex-Denver coordinator Ejiro Evero, who has four ex-Broncos defenders on his squad. Most notable among those players is Jewell, who started 58 games for Denver from 2018-2023. Jewell would undoubtedly love to return to Empower Field at Mile High and beat his old team on Sunday.
5. Bo Nix’s continued progress: Nix has made progress this season, but there’s still plenty of room for improvement. The rookie needs to eliminate his happy feet in the pocket, and his deep passes haven’t been accurate outside of just a handful of exceptions. Nix will have a great opportunity to take a step forward this week against a Panthers defense that has allowed 223.6 passing yards (eighth-worst) and 34.7 points per game (worst) this season. Nix and coach Sean Payton will probably find ways to get the ball to No. 1 receiver Courtland Sutton after he was a good sport about drawing zero targets in the team’s last game.
Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on CBS. The Broncos are considered big favorites against the Panthers going into Week 8.
