Key matchups for Panthers vs. Broncos in Week 8
For the Carolina Panthers, Week 8 will be all about the return (temporary or not) of quarterback Bryce Young. The second-year passer, who was benched at the start of Week 3, will be getting the start in place of an injured Andy Dalton.
And if the Panthers want this to be a successful start for 2023's No. 1 overall pick, Young will need some help.
Here are the key matchups for Sunday's contest against the Denver Broncos:
Panthers LG Damien Lewis vs. Broncos DL Zach Allen
Allen is off to a Pro Bowl-caliber campaign. The 6-foot-5, 285-pounder leads the Broncos in pressures (39) and has amassed 4.0 sacks.
So Lewis, who has proved to be one of the NFL's top pass-blocking guards thus far, will be key in keeping Young upright.
Panthers WR Xavier Legette vs. Broncos CB Pat Surtain II
With Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen both out, Legette may have to step up into the No. 1 role for Young. He's reeled in six passes for 34 yards and a touchdown over the last three weeks.
He'll probably have to see plenty of Surtain, whom many consider to be the game's top corner. As an added bit of juice, the Panthers passed up on the All-Pro defender for Jaycee Horn back in 2021.
Panthers ILB Trevin Wallace vs. Broncos QB Bo Nix
Nix likes to use his feet, as evidenced by his 136 rushing yards over the last two weeks. The rookie has also recorded 10 scrambles when not pressured this season, four more than the next closest quarterback.
Wallace, a fellow rookie, will have to keep tabs on Nix when he escapes the pocket.
Panthers CB Mike Jackson vs. Broncos WR Troy Franklin
Nix also likes his Oregon Ducks teammate Franklin—who went for career-highs in targets (six), receptions (five) and receiving yards (50) in Denver's win against New Orleans last Thursday.
Jackson hasn't been too hot in coverage of late—allowing passer ratings of 149.3, 93.8 and 118.8 in the last three outings. The Broncos may look to match up the speedy rook with the struggling vet.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Key matchups for Panthers vs. Broncos in Week 8
