Carolina Panthers' makeshift defense no match for Denver

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Carolina Panthers safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) pressures Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix in the Broncos' 26-21 win Nov. 8, 2026 at Bank of America Stadium.

The Carolina Panthers’ evolving defense started slowly against Denver. 

On the second play from scrimmage, a pass from Broncos quarterback Bo Nix to Troy Franklin fell incomplete, but a penalty pattern started.

Cornerback Corey Thornton, who earned his first start this season after a promotion from the practice squad, was called for pass interference, a 27-yard penalty. It was the first of 10 first-half penalties in a 26-21 loss, resulting in 101 yards and the second-most total in franchise history for a half.

“First of all, when you play a good opponent you have to minimize the mistakes, and 100 yards of penalties in the first half was a big one,” coach Dave Canales. “We're asking our corners to challenge outside, but we got to be clean with our hands. [Officials] call what they see, and a lot of those extended drives for them early on some third downs.”  

The Broncos benefited from the call with a field goal.

On Denver’s second possession, the Panthers committed three penalties, including cornerback Marco Wilson’s pass interference on third down, leading to a 10-0 first-quarter deficit.
Entering Sunday ranked No. 6 in the NFL with 57 penalties; the Panthers were flagged 13 times for 129 yards.

Making his second start for the injury-plagued Panthers, Wilson, another practice squad call-up, paired with Thornton as replacements for injured starters Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. 
Wilson, who paced Carolian with eight tackles and two passes defended during his debut in the loss to Green Bay Packers on Oct. 29, is trying to make an impression to spend the remainder of the season with Carolina or another franchise.

A six-year pro, Wilson said he spent the first two months of the season “on the couch.” He’s trying to make up for lost time after spending training camp with the Miami Dolphins, registering four tackles (three solo) and a pass defended Sunday.

“Everything that I do in my life, it’s all about consistency,” Wilson said Thursday. “I’m looking to put another consistent week together and just do whatever I can. Whatever my coaches call and ask me to do on Sunday, that’s exactly what I’m going to.” 

Competing in a game for the first time since 2024, Wilson said: “It was amazing. It was a blessing. It’s something I’ve been trying to get back to for a long time, and I’m just super blessed and super grateful to be able to have that opportunity right in front of me. 

“Every chance I get to put my helmet on and step on that grass, I’m going to take advantage of the opportunity.”

DC Todd Wash assumes control

Sunday’s game was the first under interim defensive coordinator Todd Wash, who replaced the fired Ejiro Evero. A former Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator from 2016-20, Wash indicated he will adjust the 3-4 base defense into a more attack-oriented unit.

Despite the cornerback corps injuries – rookie Will Lee III was also sidelined Sunday – Wash said he remained confident in Wilson’s abilities.

“Football is really important to him," Wash said. “You see his intentionality in meetings, on the practice field. He’s a no-nonsense guy. How in the world did we end up finding him?

Following the slow start against the Broncos (7-2), who have won five straight, the Panthers (3-5) rallied to a 14-13 lead. Threatening to extend their lead, Bryce Young threw an end-zone interception off a weird bounce. The Broncos took the lead for good on their next possession.

With the slumping Panthers poised to get their top two cornerbacks soon, Wilson said he will continue to make the most of his opportunity.

“Go out there and do what I need to do and everything else takes care of itself,” he said.

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