For two straight weeks, the Carolina Panthers gave their superior opponents a run for their money. And although they came up short in those games, one particular player certainly stood tall.
That was the story from this past Sunday’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where the Panthers fell in overtime. Despite some largely sound play, a number of mistakes ended up proving costly for Carolina.
But like their defeat to the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12, it was the stellar performance from quarterback Bryce Young that still stole the headlines. He completed 26 of his 46 throws for a season-high 298 yards and recorded a pair of touchdowns.
Let’s examine some of the All-22 film on yet another encouraging outing from last year’s No. 1 overall pick . . .
The Film
Young has been displaying some consistency, not putting the ball in harm’s way and keeping his composure when the protection breaks down around him. He’s also added a few more elements since settling back in as starter—far-harsh throws and timing, anticipation and velocity.
Take this throw below, for example.
Young has an uncanny ability to put his passes exactly where he needs it or wants it to go. While this is more of a floater, the sideline angle showed wide receiver David Moore running a deep out.
And before he’s even into his break, Young is unloading the ball from the far-hash. The pass is placed away from the defender and in the hands of Moore, who cannot make the grab.
What a freaking throw here from Bryce Young from the far hash. Dropped 😔 #Panthers pic.twitter.com/Ngqi7WuadE
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) December 2, 2024
Young has been outstanding against pressure and opposing blitzes. He’s starting to have more trust in not just the play call, but his receivers and protection up front.
Here, we see his composure on full display. The center doesn’t gain enough depth in his set and it allows Buccaneers defensive lineman Vita Vea to loop around him and flatten Young.
However, just like in the previous example, Young is letting the ball go before Moore is even into his break. Young knows he can’t float it, and adds some run to his pitch and zaps an on-line throw to Moore, who drops this pass as well.
Wicked anticipation throw from Young with the blitz in his face. Drop again. #Panthers pic.twitter.com/HQSlFVgqu5
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) December 2, 2024
One of the few playmakers that Young can lean on the most is veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen—who is still effective at 34 years old.
Once again, Young does a great job keeping his feet dug into the ground, which allows him to generate velocity and zip this pass between two defenders for the “touchdown” to Thielen . . . though this was ruled incomplete as the initial call and after a review.
Showing trust in your playmakers to make such a throw proves Young is regaining, or has regained, his confidence and poise as a passer. Passes like these will be commonplace as Young continues to grow.
“Bryce doesn’t throw hard enough.”
“If he’s not breaking fingers, he doesn’t have a good arm.”
Great zip and velocity on this “touchdown” pass from No. 9 behind two defenders. pic.twitter.com/kFR1JoNcLt
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) December 2, 2024
The Verdict
Sunday’s game made a few things apparent for Young—and it starts with his surroundings. During the offseason, it was said that with an average group of skill players around him, Young would improve drastically as a quarterback.
While the results weren’t evident at first, they are now—with just over a month removed from his first game off the bench. Surrounding Young with better talent will be a priority this offseason, with a few veteran playmakers set to hit free agency and some quality talent available in the draft.
We’ll eventually see how the front office attacks the issue, but it’s clear Young has been playing the best ball of his NFL career over these past few weeks and would certainly benefit from a bump in his supporting cast.
