North Charlotte Today

A close examination of the numbers from Sunday's game reveals key performances and milestones for the Carolina Panthers despite their 28-14 loss to the Denver Broncos.

Defensive tackle Shy Tuttle made a significant impact by forcing and recovering a fumble on the opening drive, marking only his second career fumble recovery and first forced fumble in six years. He added another recovery later, bringing his career total to three and tying a team record for most opponent fumble recoveries in a game. This feat has been achieved nine times previously, most recently by Jeremy Chinn in 2020.

Chuba Hubbard advanced to sixth place on the team's all-time rushing list with 56 yards, surpassing Tshimanga Biakabutuka. Rookie wide receiver Jalen Coker caught his first NFL touchdown pass from quarterback Bryce Young during the Panthers' final offensive drive. Coker is notable as the first undrafted free agent signed by the Panthers to catch a touchdown in his rookie season.

Bryce Young completed 24 of 37 passes for 224 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. His performance included an opening drive touchdown pass to Xavier Legette, marking Young's first such achievement in his career spanning 19 starts. Next Gen Stats highlighted Young's season-high dropback success rate of 38.1% against man coverage.

On defense, A'Shawn Robinson recorded two sacks—the first multi-sack game of his career—while rookie safety Demani Richardson led with 11 tackles in his debut start. Linebacker Josey Jewell and corner Mike Jackson each tallied ten tackles; it was Jackson's first double-digit tackle game this year and Jewell's second after returning from injury.

Injuries affected the offensive line configuration when Ikem Ekwonu exited with an ankle injury. Jarrett Kingston made his NFL debut during this period, while Cade Mays and Brady Christensen adjusted positions for the final drive.

The absence of Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen led to David Moore receiving substantial playtime among receivers, followed closely by rookie Jalen Coker. On National Tight Ends Day, Tommy Tremble took on most tight end duties alongside Ja'Tavion Sanders and Ian Thomas.

The starting secondary played every snap with Richardson leading defensively alongside veteran linemen A'Shawn Robinson and Shy Tuttle who played significant snaps upfront.

Special teams continue to be a strength for Carolina with Sam Franklin Jr., Lonnie Johnson, Jon Rhattigan, Feleipe Franks contributing significantly along with specialists Johnny Hekker, JJ Jansen, Eddy Piñeiro. Notably, Thomas Incoom showed potential as he participated extensively in special teams play.