First thoughts on the Broncos' 28-14 win over the Carolina Panthers in Week 9 at Empower Field:

Small mistake: How do you lose a game as a 13-point favorite? Well, turning the ball over on the first possession of the game is a good (or bad) start. Of course, that's exactly what Denver did on Sunday when Carolina defensive tackle Shy Tuttle knocked the ball away from Sean Payton favorite Lil'Jordan Humphrey with an 8-yard reception near midfield. Ten games later, the Panthers were up 7-0. How do you win a game as a 13-point favorite? By flushing it away immediately… which Payton's Broncos did very much.

Increase the value: The Panthers are the team that cures all diseases. Before Sunday, Courtland Sutton was a No. 1 receiver whose time in Denver was coming to an end – a goose egg in New Orleans served as the latest evidence. Then he went out and managed 93 yards by halftime. Before Sunday, Denver was in desperate need of help at tight end after the group posted 136 yards and zero touchdowns through seven weeks. Then Adam Trautman turned into Rob Gronkowski, who ran a one-handed 19-yard TD pass, and Denver's tight ends finished with seven catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns. Oh yes, and…

Bo knows footwork: Before Sunday, Bo Nix's footwork was the issue that prevented him from throwing the ball down the field with consistent accuracy. Then the rookie quarterback completed 21 of 27 passes for 220 yards and two touchdowns (and scored another touchdown at the goal line) in the first two quarters. So a cool 8.1 yards per attempt. Suppose you could say the Oregon product has finally found his footing. Or he just played against the Panthers. We'll find out soon enough.