Through seven games this season, the Denver Broncos‘ defense has totaled 28 sacks, second-most in the NFL.
In the two games he started earlier this season, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young was sacked six times. He threw three interceptions and no touchdown passes before being benched (Young did rush for one score).
Five games after taking over as the starter, Andy Dalton injured his thumb in a car crash this week, forcing the Panthers to go back to Young. The second-year QB is now set to start against the Broncos on Sunday.
During his media availability earlier this week, Denver coach Sean Payton praised Young and noted the QB’s experience at Alabama.
“He has good vision, quick release,” Payton said. “He shows accuracy [and] poise. He’s played in big moments. In other words, I remember him coming out. He’s played in real big moments. I think that you flip the focus when you have a change in quarterbacks from like one to the other, and you study it the best you can.”
The 4-3 Broncos are considered big favorites against the 1-6 Panthers this week, understandably so. Denver has to avoid Sunday potentially becoming a trap game. On paper, the matchup certainly looks like a huge mismatch in favor of the Broncos’ defense.
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