Devon Key interception sparks Broncos turnaround against Panthers

Denver moved into a 26-14 lead over Carolina with 5:41 left in the fourth quarter on Sunday, recovering from a second-half deficit after an unusual interception by safety Devon Key. The Guardian's live NFL coverage reported that Bo Nix's 26-yard touchdown pass to Pat Bryant extended the Broncos' advantage. The game remained in progress at that update, with no final result yet reported.

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The pivotal defensive play came with Carolina threatening to increase a 14-13 lead late in the third quarter. A pass-interference penalty against Jahdae Barron had taken the Panthers to the one-yard line. On the ensuing first-down pass, the ball struck Tommy Tremble's leg before Key collected it without it touching the ground. Denver coach Sean Payton challenged the play, and the review awarded the Broncos an interception.

Denver converted that reprieve into a scoring drive covering 80 yards in 14 plays. J. Coleman's nine-yard touchdown run put the Broncos back ahead at 19-14 with 10:16 remaining in the fourth quarter, according to the Guardian. The two-point attempt failed, leaving the lead at five points. Carolina then went three-and-out, with Jonathon Cooper sacking Bryce Young to force a punt.

Nix subsequently found Bryant alone in the end zone for the touchdown that widened the gap. It was another change in a contest in which Denver had led 10-0 before Carolina fought back. Young's 10-yard touchdown pass to Tremble late in the second quarter completed a 14-play, 86-yard possession that followed a Nix interception and brought the Panthers back into contention.

Wil Lutz's 48-yard field goal with four seconds remaining before the interval gave Denver a 13-7 half-time lead. Carolina then began the second half with gains through Darren Waller, Chuba Hubbard and Mitchell Evans. Young found Waller for a touchdown with 11:30 left in the third quarter, putting the Panthers ahead 14-13 before Key's interception interrupted their next major scoring opportunity.

The Guardian also reported that Denver players Riley Moss and Jaylen Waddle were being evaluated for concussions during the second quarter. No confirmed diagnoses were included in the updates reviewed. Denver's later two-touchdown surge established a 12-point cushion, but Carolina still had time remaining when the reported score reached 26-14.