Carolina Panthers host roaring Denver Broncos in Week 10 – NFL Preview
Carolina Panthers finally got a victory in Week 9, but there happiness might end soon as they face the mighty Denver Broncos in Week 10 game on Sunday, November 11, 2012 at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC.
Broncos (5-3) are currently on top of the American Football Conference (AFC) West and the team is getting better and better as the season is progressing.
The main reason behind Broncos’ dominance is their elite quarterback Peyton Manning who is finally getting the rust off and showing his finesse.
On the other hand, Panthers had little to cheer about this season as they are placed at the bottom with a 2-6 record.
It will be great occasion for Broncos head coach John Fox who will face his former team for the first time. Fox coached Panthers for nine seasons. Giving his views about facing Panthers, Fox said:
“I’ve been with so many teams that I’ve had a lot of homecomings, so it’ll be another one. I think if you’re in this business long enough, you have a lot of them. I still have a home there. I’ve had a lot of great relationships there over a nine-year period.”
Broncos’ offence has been slowly picking up the gas as Manning has returned to his old form. The quarterback has scored three or more touchdowns in each of last five games.
Manning was phenomenal in Broncos’ 31-23 victory against Cincinnati Bengals as he completed 27 of 35 for 291 yards and scored three touchdowns. The quarterback currently has 69.5% pass completion rate, the highest in the league.
However, he will not have an easy day on the field against Panthers' defence that has consistently put up good performances. Talking about Panthers defensive performance, defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said:
"What the guys have done collectively is they've stepped up and they've played great team defence. We talk all the time about getting 11 hats to the football and being 1-11th of the defence, and knowing where your help is and using it. It's unselfish, but
that's what great team defence is all about."
The defence has not let more than single passing touchdown in seven out of eight games this season.
Broncos’ defence has also been very influential in the team’s success this season. Both of their cornerbacks, Tony Carter and Chris Harris, have restricted the opposing passing game to just 23 completions out of 59 passes.
Panthers showed their skills in last game as their quarterback Cam Newton showed a much disciplined performance.
Newton played an important role in the 21-13 victory over Washington Redskins. He finished the game with 13 of 23 for 201 yards and also scored a rushing touchdown.
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