Panthers second year quarterback Bryce Young is finally starting to show why he was the first overall pick in last years’ draft, and is keeping the Panthers in games that many did not give them a chance in.
As a rookie, Young struggled all year last season and was being labeled as a bust, especially with the fantastic play from CJ Stroud, who was picked after him. In 16 games played last season, Young threw for 2,877 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, while only completing 59.8% of his passes.
This season, Young started out looking like he took no progressions from last season, got benched early on for Andy Dalton, which looked positive at first until Dalton ended up getting hurt. Young was reinstated as the Panthers starter, and has not looked back since. In his last three games, he has emerged as a potential star, and despite not putting up superstar numbers or winning, his play and management of the game speak for itself.
😤 Bryce Young @PFF QB grades last 6 weeks (including Eagles)…
— Keep Purring Podcast (Ben) (@KeepPurringBen) December 9, 2024
A corner has been turned 😏
• 3rd in P2S% 7.8
• 3rd in aDOT 9.5
• 4th in DRP% 8.5
• 8th in Passing Grade 82.4
• 8th in Deep (20+) Passing Grade 92.2
• 9th in Offensive grade 83.0#Panthers | #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/gAGI1mcQqx
Against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Panthers QB completed 21 of 35 passes for 263 yards and a touchdown. The Panthers looked like they were going to get the win, but partly due to two missed field goals and a late defensive collapse, the Chiefs were able to pull out the win.
The following week, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Young completed 26 of 46 passes for 298 yards and another touchdown. Once again, Carolina failed to win after driving deep into Buccaneers territory and losing a fumble. This game pointed at Carolina being close, but not quite over the hump.
On Sunday, the Panthers played in Philadelphia, facing off against a red hot Eagles team who potentially has the best defense in football. A game where nobody gave him a chance, he proved everyone wrong and had yet another productive week. He completed 19 of 34 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown, as well as one interception. Carolina got the ball back with just over two minutes left and no timeouts, needing to go 97 yards to win the game. When it looked like all was lost, Young came up with a huge third and long conversion, a great play that showed his ability to both run and throw in tight windows.
Bryce Young gets better with every week…pic.twitter.com/ZBAcQJhWnR https://t.co/h1puvvgUa6
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) December 8, 2024
Shortly after, the Panthers were only 37 yards away from completing one of the best drives of the season, and upsetting the Eagles on the road. Young received the snap on second down, and threw a great throw to his rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette, who appeared to have won the game. After being discussed, the referees determined the pass was incomplete, and it was confirmed that Legette dropped the ball while falling to the ground. Even though the Panthers ended up losing, this drive showed that they can compete with anybody, and that within a few years time, with proper development, they could be a team with playoff aspirations.
Although the Panthers are 3-10 and unable to make the playoffs, there is a lot to be excited about looking forward to. With Young finally showing his development and taking big leaps forward, it appears the Panthers are just a few skill positions away from being a team that can cause some damage. As long as Young keeps going in the right direction, both he and the Panthers will be good to go.
