It's crunch time. Get ready for game day, and don't forget the chips when the Panthers face the Broncos on Sunday. Here are five things to watch for in the matchup.
SUNDAY'S RESPONSE
Panthers coach Matt Rhule won't run out of object lessons this season when it's time to talk about responding to adversity or unusual circumstances.
But he's particularly curious to see how his team responds this week, after the blender they've been thrown in the last month.
This week alone included another setback for their best offensive player and a long list of players hitting the reserve/COVID-19 list, which left them scrapping for guys to fill certain positions in practice.
All of that made it feel like forever since they've played a game, which is part of the reason Rhule added an extra practice on Friday just to make sure his team got in enough work. Christian McCaffrey picking up another injury, and being without two of their top three receivers and most of the defensive line complicated matters.
But harkening back to the last two games they played, the Panthers have experienced the entire range of emotions.
After bouncing back from their late collapse against the Buccaneers to beat the Lions with backup quarterback P.J. Walker, things seemed promising. Any degree of that momentum was lost with the last-minute loss to the Vikings before the bye, when things looked good for them right up until they didn't.
"All across the board, I'm excited to see our team play this week," Rhule said. "Bouncing back after a tough loss, then a week off, and then some of the COVID list additions, their ability to stay focused this week.
"If we play well this week, what will it say about this team, that they're able to come back after a heart-wrenching loss, a gut-wrenching loss, a week off when they couldn't even come in the building and get it out of their system, all of these distractions? If they play well, I think it will really speak to the character of this football team.
"So I'm anxious to see them. I'm anxious to see them go play. I like the way they've been practicing, and we'll see when the game comes."
NO SYMPATHY FROM DENVER
Of course, any struggles the Panthers may have this year pale in comparison to what the Broncos have been dealing with.
I mean, this is still the team that had to play a practice squad wide receiver at quarterback two weeks ago because all their quarterbacks were on the COVID-19 list. They've also been without defensive coordinator Ed Donatell for the last six games as he battled the virus.
They've been particularly hard hit by injuries this year, losing veteran pass-rusher Von Miller and star wideout Courtland Sutton early in the process.
This week, cornerback A.J. Bouye was suspended six games for violating the league's policy on performance enhancing substances.
TAKE IT AWAY
Oh, by the way, there's a football game happening at the end of a week of all this other stuff.
So with the Panthers getting healthier in the secondary, there's a chance they could make some plays.
The Broncos' quarterbacks have been particularly generous this year, with a league-high 21 interceptions thrown this season. That's five more than the next team on the list (the Eagles). Drew Lock is back under center this week, and he has 13 picks in nine starts.
The Panthers haven't been able to reel in many of their own, with just five picks this year. That's tied for 30th in the league, though they lead the NFL with 12 forced fumbles.
ON THE OTHER HAND
The Panthers' struggles in the red zone have been well-documented this year. Other than one brief hot streak, they've settled for far too many short field goals this season.
They'll be tested Sunday, as the Broncos are second in the league in red zone defense.
Without McCaffrey and wide receiver DJ Moore, things will get complicated for Teddy Bridgewater when things get close, particularly since that's where the Broncos are actually best at playing defense.
A WILLING VOLUNTEER
With all the talk about missing players early in the week, and the Broncos' unusual quarterback situation two weeks ago, there was some talk this week about disaster plans.
The Panthers have at least one volunteer to change positions in case of emergency, who actually sounded more than willing.
Cornerback Donte Jackson did everything short of lobbying offensive coordinator Joe Brady for some plays to be called for him, when asked if there was another position he could competently play besides his own.
"Oh, receiver," Jackson said with a broad grin. "Night, day morning, whatever. I could literally line up at receiver and the Panthers' offense would not miss a beat. That's how I feel.
"I've got to go talk to Joe. Hopefully we can get some things worked out. But I would definitely go in the receiver room and it would be like I've been there since training camp."
He was mostly kidding, we think. And by getting Curtis Samuel back from the COVID-19 list late in the week, any potential crisis at receiver was averted.
But it's early yet, and Jackson just wanted to make it clear he's available, if needed.
Carolina is 1-6 all-time against Denver with a 1-2 record at home.
Carolina Panthers against the Denver Broncos Super Bowl 50 Levi's Stadium Santa Clara, CA Sunday, February 7, 2016
Carolina Panthers running back DeShaun Foster, center, is tackled at the line of scrimmage by Denver Broncos linebacker Al Wilson, bottom center, in the first quarter, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004, in Denver. Broncos' Monsanto Pope (75) and Marco Coleman (92) are also in on the play. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)
Carolina Panthers against the Denver Broncos Super Bowl 50 Levi's Stadium Santa Clara, CA Sunday, February 7, 2016
Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway (7) throws a pass during an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers on November 9,1997. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 34-0. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
This is a 2016 photo of of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the 2016 active roster as of May 12, 2016 when this images was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2016 photo of of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the 2016 active roster as of May 12, 2016 when this images was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2016 photo of of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the 2016 active roster as of May 12, 2016 when this images was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2016 photo of of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the 2016 active roster as of May 12, 2016 when this images was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2016 photo of of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the 2016 active roster as of May 12, 2016 when this images was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2016 photo of of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the 2016 active roster as of May 12, 2016 when this images was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2016 photo of of the Carolina Panthers NFL football team. This image reflects the 2016 active roster as of May 12, 2016 when this images was taken. (AP Photo)
Carolina Panthers against the Denver Broncos Super Bowl 50 Levi's Stadium Santa Clara, CA Sunday, February 7, 2016
Denver Broncos defensive tackle Maa Tanuvasa (98) stops Carolina Panthers running back Fred Lane (33) during an NFL game on November 9,1997. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 34-0. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Carolina Panthers against the Denver Broncos Super Bowl 50 Levi's Stadium Santa Clara, CA Sunday, February 7, 2016
Carolina Panthers against the Denver Broncos Super Bowl 50 Levi's Stadium Santa Clara, CA Sunday, February 7, 2016
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) is upended by a Denver Broncos player during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) under center during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday November 11, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Denver won 36-14. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
Denver Broncos head coach John Fox, center, embraces Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson, left, and James Anderson, right, after an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012. Denver won 36-14. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers against the Denver Broncos Super Bowl 50 Levi's Stadium Santa Clara, CA Sunday, February 7, 2016
Denver Broncos' Willis McGahee (23) runs as Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson (95) and Greg Hardy (76) defend during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) fights for extra yards after making a reception during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday November 11, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Denver won 36-14. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
Carolina Panthers' Greg Olsen (88) is upended by Denver Broncos' Chris Harris (25) during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Mark Carrier (83) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Denver Broncos Nov. 9, 1997, Denver. (Allen Kee via AP)
Carolina Panthers' Greg Olsen (88) stretches the ball over the goal line for a touchdown as he is tackled by Denver Broncos' Rahim Moore (26) during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) reacts after a catch during the second quarter of the Panthers' 30-10 win over the Denver Broncos in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler (6) tries to escape Carolina Panthers' Julius Peppers (90) during the second quarter of the Panthers' 30-10 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
Denver Broncos' Eddie Royal, top, misses a catch in the end zone as Carolina Panthers' Ken Lucas, bottom, defends during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Jonathan Stewart (28) reacts as he runs for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) runs in for a touchdown as Denver Broncos' Josh Bell (34) and Dre' Bly (32) persue during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers (90) looks back over his shoulder as he heads downfield after intercepting a pass in the endzone and returning it 101 yards to the opposite 3-yard line during the third quarter Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004, in Denver. Denver Broncos fullback Kyle Johnson (39) chases him. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams (52) dives as he tries to stop Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) from scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run during the third quarter in Denver, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer (16) gets a pass off despite the defensive pressure of Carolina Panthers defensive end Micheal Rucker during the second quarter in Denver, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos Steve Atwater (27) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers Nov. 9, 1997, in Denver. (Allen Kee via AP)
Denver Broncos running back Reuben Droughns, left, is tackled by Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers after a 32-yard run in the first quarter in Denver, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis (30) is seen in action during an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers Nov. 9, 1997, at Mile High Stadium in Denver. (Allen Kee via AP)
