The Denver Broncos are 4-3 and coming off a big win going into Sunday’s game against the 1-6 Carolina Panthers, who are coming off a blowout loss.
The matchup has trap game written all over it. Broncos players, feeling confident about their recent success, could look at the Panthers’ poor record and assume that just showing up on Sunday is enough to secure a victory.
Denver coach Sean Payton won’t let that mentality take hold.
“I just finished talking to them about — one of the things with experience, I feel like I’ve been in this type of game 15, 16, 17 times,” Payton said Wednesday. “The focus is on our preparation, the focus is on our plan, and then obviously studying the film and understanding how to win this game. I like how this group has been responding. It’s our next game. It’s at home, and all of those things are important.”
Instead of noting Carolina’s struggles, the Broncos are focusing inward, working on their own issues that led to three losses this season.
The Panthers have allowed 34.7 points per game this fall — most in the NFL — but quarterback Bo Nix is not overlooking their defense.
“They’re a good bunch,” Nix said Wednesday. “They keep everything in front of you. They don’t give up a lot of explosive plays, they tackle well, and they do a good job of rushing the passer. Obviously, they have some key contributors over there that are really good players in the league.
“We have to be wary of those guys and then make sure that we continue to do what we do. Run the ball efficiently, do well on third downs — do better on third downs, because we haven’t been very good in that area. I think it just starts with early down production and then moving from there.”
Carolina’s defense features four former Denver players, including inside linebacker Josey Jewell. Those players would love to return to Empower Field at Mile High and beat their former team in a shocking upset. The Broncos can’t let that happen.
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