THE Denver Broncos are 4-3 and are coming off a big win heading into Sunday’s game against the 1-6 Carolina Panthers, who are coming off a blowout loss.
The match is filled with trap play. Broncos Players, confident in their recent success, might look at the Panthers’ poor record and assume that simply 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 film and understanding how to win this game. I like the way this group responded. It’s our next game. It’s at home, and everyone these things are important.
Instead of noting Carolina’s struggles, the Broncos are focusing on themselves and working on their own issues that have led to three losses this season.
The Panthers have allowed 34.7 points per game this fall – the most in the NFL – but quarterback Bo Nix isn’t neglecting their defense.
“They’re a good group,” Nix said Wednesday. “They keep everything in front of you. They don’t give up a lot of explosive plays, they tackle well and do a good job rushing the passer. Obviously they have some key contributors there who are very good players of the league.
“We’ve got to be careful of those guys and then make sure we continue to do what we’re doing. Run the ball efficiently, do well on third downs – do better on third downs, because we haven’t been very good at this I think it just starts with the start of production and then goes on from there.
Carolina’s defense features four former Denver players, including inside linebacker Josey Jewell. These players would love to return to Empower Field at Mile High and beat their old team in a shocking upset. The Broncos can’t let this happen.
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This article was originally published on Broncos Wire: Sean Payton won’t let the Broncos take the Panthers lightly
