The Carolina Panthers are experiencing a rollercoaster season, characterized by alternating victories and defeats that have left fans both hopeful and frustrated. After a significant 30-point triumph over the Atlanta Falcons, the Panthers quickly fell to the New England Patriots by 29 points the following week. They suffered another 29-point loss to the Buffalo Bills at home, only to bounce back with an impressive win over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. This trend continued as they appeared outmatched by the San Francisco 49ers on “Monday Night Football,” yet managed to inspire confidence with a solid performance against the Los Angeles Rams just six days later.
This inconsistency has been mirrored in the performance of first-year quarterback Bryce Young, who recently set a franchise record by passing for 448 yards in a game against the Falcons. Young has shown glimpses of his potential as a franchise quarterback, but he has also had his share of games that have raised doubts about his readiness at the professional level. Despite his ups and downs, the Panthers, with a 7-6 record, are in a pivotal position to secure a playoff spot, especially with a chance to gain a full game lead in the NFC South over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following their loss to the Falcons.
Young’s performance has been a mixed bag. He has surpassed 200 yards passing in only three out of 13 games this season, and the inconsistency stems not solely from Young himself but also from a lack of support around him. The team struggles with offensive weapons, apart from standout rookie Tetairoa McMillan, and the running game has not lived up to pre-season expectations. Currently, the Panthers rank 20th in rushing success rate and 22nd in explosive run rate.
Furthermore, the offensive line has faced significant challenges, with ten different combinations used throughout the season following an injury to Pro Bowl right guard Robert Hunt. While McMillan has emerged as a strong route runner, other receivers have struggled to generate separation, and the overall design of the passing game has stagnated with too many predictable routes.
Panthers head coach Dave Canales emphasized that success begins in the trenches and noted the need for improved chemistry across the entire offense. This was evident in their most recent victory over the Rams, where Young connected on 15 of 20 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns, including two crucial scores on fourth-down attempts, achieving a passer rating of 147.1.
Despite some commendable performances, Young has shown physical limitations. He has struggled with interior pressure, causing him to slide and throw off-balance, resulting in missed opportunities. His ability to avoid sacks has improved, ranking 12th in pressure-to-sack ratio this season, but at 5-foot-10, he faces additional challenges breaking the pocket under pressure.
The Panthers’ offense demonstrated clear potential in their game-winning drive against the Rams, showcasing Young’s trust in his teammates, particularly McMillan. This critical touchdown highlighted Young’s capacity for high-level play when given the necessary room to operate in the pocket.
As the Panthers prepare for their remaining regular-season games, Young’s development and ability to adapt under pressure will be crucial. He emphasized the importance of focusing on one game at a time and the necessity of staying grounded amid the excitement of potentially making the playoffs. With December bringing meaningful matchups, the Panthers and their young quarterback are poised to make a statement in the final stretch of the season.