One Big Thing: Bryce Young’s Breakout Shows the Panthers Still Need to Have Patience

Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta (Atlanta, Georgia) – With a 6-5 record this season, the Panthers have already exceeded their previous win total. For the first time this year, though, Bryce Young won them the game.In the Panthers’ 30-27 overtime win over the Falcons, Young obliterated his career highs. His 448 yards passing, three touchdowns passing and 9.9 yards per attempt were either new or equal career highs. The former No. 1 overall pick’s 31 completions were his second-most in his career. The former No. 1 overall pick had only thrown 300+ yards twice during his career. Both times, he was defeated. With the game on the line against the Falcons, he not only stepped up – he obliterated the Panthers’ franchise record for passing yards.Young, at the podium following the Panthers comeback win after being down by 21-10 at halftime, said: “It’s a part of our identity.” Coach (Dave Canales), says it constantly. You can see it everywhere, on the wall: ‘Finish.’ We embody that. “We embody that.”‘We are so resilient’ Panthers’ Bryce Young on comeback overtime victory against Falcons Regardless of how many wins Carolina finishes with this year, this season is a referendum on Young’s future as the Panthers’ starting quarterback. He struggled in his rookie season and was benched briefly during the last year. However, he has been a big part of many of the Panthers’ wins this year. Young’s chances improve with each close game to the No. 1 pick. Carolina must decide this off-season whether or not to exercise Young’s fifth-year option, which will cost them about $26 million. This is a modest amount compared to today’s quarterback deals, but it’s still a big commitment for a team that’s not sure of a quarterback. Being a key part of a victory like Sunday’s helps him to make a case for his merits and potential.Canales, who surpassed his previous record for wins as a coach in his third year, said: “I expect Bryce will take advantage of every game plan and opportunity.” “I love this team. “I love this group. I’m very proud of what we have done. I’ve known for more than a year now that this group is one of the most resilient.Young has thrown more than 200 yard only twice this season. In both cases, he threw for more than 200 yards. His Week 2 total of 328 against the Cardinals was a lot higher. And his massive number tonight was even greater. Young has also averaged more than seven yards per attempt just twice this season, and this is the fourth time in his career that he’s been at eight or more.Tetairoa MacMillan spoke from the locker room of the winning team. “I know Bryce, and our entire offense were getting a great deal of backlash about the passing yardage in the last week,” she said. Everyone in the locker room knew what was coming, and that Bryce, in particular, had us covered. We turned on the tape and went to work, we’re sure.”Young accomplished all of this after he was sent to the locker room in order to be evaluated for an ankle injury he sustained during a sack in the first half. Andy Dalton began warming up at the sideline. Young, however, was cleared to return and did not miss a snap on the following drive.Tremble said to himself at his locker, “He is a warrior. “That’s Bryce’s mentality. The people don’t realize how difficult that is. His ankle was so badly damaged that it was difficult for him come back to play for us. That’s why we were able to win.Bryce Young’s 400+ yard performance was praised by Brady Quinn in Panthers victory over Falcons. Young’s career-high for passing yards had been set in the earlier game against Arizona this season. However, he broke Cam Newton’s record of 432 in 2011 and established a new mark. He is the first NFL quarterback this season to throw 400+ yards in a victory, after throwing for 400+ in three previous losses.Canales stated, “I’m proud of how he persevered for his team.” “It speaks volumes of the type leader he continues to become.”Young led the Panthers to victory for the first time in the season instead of just being a complement. Carolina’s first two drives of the fourth quarter didn’t even reach Falcons territory. On the latter, Young tripped on fourth-and-1 at his own 44 as he dropped back and fell down, touched down for a sack and turnover on downs with 3:02 left.On the last drive, though, Young faced a fourth-and-4 with 1:54 left and reeled off back-to-back completions that got the ball to the Falcons’ 10-yard line. Young’s rookie receiver, McMillan, finished with eight catches, 130 yards, and two touchdowns. Young’s 54-yard screen to Tommy Tremble set up Ryan Fitzgerald’s winning field goal. It was the Panthers first season sweep over the Falcons since 2013Young described Tremble’s screen pass as an “amazing play” and “amazing effort.””Ryan Fitzgerald sinks 28-yard game winning FG in overtime to give Panthers win in Atlanta” | NFL Highlights Carolina had opened this season 1-3, and much of the team’s resurgence in winning four of their next five was credited to running back Rico Dowdle, who still had 100 yards of total offense in Sunday’s win, but only 45 were on the ground. The Panthers’ bubble burst last week when they lost 17-7 to the Saints. This week’s matchup was no better. The Panthers were ranked 30th for passing yards per game when they played the Falcons on Sunday. They also faced a Falcons’ defense that allowed the least passing yards in the NFL.McMillan who had 130 yards and two touchdowns said: “I know Bryce was receiving a lot criticism in the past weeks about the passing yardage. Everyone in the locker room knew what was coming, and that Bryce, in particular, had it under control. We put the tape over them and went to bat, without a doubt.”While Young is playing for his future, Panthers are in the NFC postseason picture. After their win over the Bills on sunday, and Tampa Bay’s loss to the Buccaneers at Buffalo, the Panthers (6-5), are only a half game behind Tampa Bay (6-4) in the NFC South. Both teams will meet in the NFC South later this year, during Weeks 16-18. The division title could be at stake. Two wins over the Buccaneers will put Carolina in a good position to win the division. He covered the Buccaneers in the past for The Athletic and the Tampa Bay Times. Want great stories delivered straight to your inbox with @gregauman? To receive daily personalized emails, create or log into your FOX Sport account and follow teams, players, and leagues.
2025-11-17 04:55:41