Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young just went for a flurry of career-highs. Now, if we don’t add a single ounce of context to that sentence you just read, then it seems like the rookie had himself one heck of an outing.
But unfortunately, there’s a lot of context to provide.
The No. 1 overall pick completed 25 of his 32 throws for 204 yards on Sunday. That, however, came in a 21-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings—where he was sacked five times and averaged all of 6.4 yards per throw.
A dejected Young, who was visibly frustrated at times on the field and even at his locker, talked about the disappointing result after the game.
“Just frustrated at myself,” he said. “Definitely stuff I want back. At the same time, have to do a better job of being that same guy on the sideline. Sometimes, emotion comes out and you then you gotta go to the next play. And again, for better or for worse, do a better job of keeping that stone face, regardless.”
Young also helped provide the Vikings with what was perhaps the turning point of the contest. Down 14-13 in the third quarter and knocking on the door of the red zone, the 22-year-old was strip-sacked by safety Harrison Smith. The loose ball was then picked up by linebacker D.J. Wonnum and brought back for a 51-yard touchdown.
Now, through three starts, Young has totaled just two touchdowns to four turnovers—something he also touched on.
“Obviously, turning the ball over is something we talk about a lot,” he added. “That was a huge, huge swing of the game. And, again, that solely, single-handedly on me.”
