The Carolina Panthers are trying to stop the slide in Week 9, but they’re walking into a matchup that doesn’t look friendly on paper.
After a road loss to the Green Bay Packers dropped Carolina to 3-4, the Panthers now have back-to-back defeats on the books. Next up is a home date with the Denver Broncos, who arrive at 6-2 after knocking off the Kansas City Chiefs last week. That’s a tall order for a team still searching for the right answer on offense.
Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport, Brad Gagnon, Kris Knox, Moe Moton, Brent Sobleski, Wes O'Donnell, and Ian Hanford all weighed in on the game, and only two of the seven picked Carolina to protect home field. Davenport and O'Donnell were the lone voices backing the Panthers, while the rest leaned Denver.
A big reason for that skepticism is the way Carolina’s offense has cooled off. What once looked like an early push for MVP from Bryce Young has settled down, and his recent stretch has been a problem for the Panthers. Young has still had a solid season overall, but the last few weeks have dragged down the momentum around him and the team.
Against Denver, Young will need to get the offense moving again, and that won’t be simple. The Broncos bring one of the league’s better defenses, and they have a reputation for grinding down opposing offenses over the course of a game.
Young has looked more composed in the pocket this season, but opponents have made him uncomfortable lately, and that has shown up in his play. Carolina does have a strong wide receiving core that could create issues, especially with Denver dealing with some injuries. If the Panthers can take advantage there, they may give themselves a real chance.
Kickoff for Panthers-Broncos is set for 10:00 a.m. PT/1:00 p.m. ET.
In Other News...
Derrick Brown Is Suddenly Tied To A Massive Panthers Trade Idea
A new trade idea has put Derrick Brown in the middle of an unexpected three-team conversation, with the Jaguars, Eagles and Panthers all mentioned as possible pieces in a larger 2026 draft-pick shuffle. Jacksonvilles fast start has only added fuel to the speculation, since a 5-2 record has the Jaguars looking more like a team that could chase a Super Bowl run than one interested in standing pat.
For Carolina, Browns name being tied to a deal of that magnitude is the kind of development that naturally gets attention, even if it is still just an idea at this stage. The framework being floated would also involve Jalen Carter, who recently signed a four-year extension in Philadelphia and has been a major force on defense this season, which is why this rumor has enough star power to linger even before any actual movement happens. [Read more 🡒]
Panthers Secondary Could Get A Needed Boost From Mike Jackson Soon
The Panthers could be getting a timely lift in the secondary soon, with Mike Jackson saying he expects to be back from his groin injury in the next couple of weeks. Jackson ruled himself out for the upcoming game against the Denver Broncos, but left open the possibility of returning the following week, which would give Carolina a much-needed reinforcement as it navigates the stretch ahead.
Jackson also spoke about his foundations upcoming Thanksgiving food giveaway in Charlotte, adding a community note to a week that has centered on his recovery. For the Panthers, the bigger takeaway is simple: a veteran corner who has been sidelined is at least pointing toward a return, and that kind of help can matter quickly in a secondary that has had to manage without him. [Read more 🡒]
Panthers Suddenly Face A Tough Robert Hunt Decision
Robert Hunts future in Carolina has suddenly become a talking point, and not just because of his hefty cap number. ESPNs Mike Kaye reported the Panthers could explore a trade before the 2026 deadline if Hunts recent play does not rebound, a notable shift for a player who was brought in to stabilize the interior of the offensive line. With Brady Christensen working his way back from injury, the Panthers at least have another option to consider at right guard if they decide the current setup is no longer the best use of resources.
The complication is that Carolina is dealing with its own injury uncertainty, which makes any move harder to sort out in real time. Hunts absence or reduced role would not just be a financial decision, it would affect how the Panthers piece together the line week to week, especially if Christensen is still easing back into the mix. For a team trying to keep its protection intact, this is the kind of call that can linger for months before it finally comes into focus. [Read more 🡒]