There was something different about Bryce Young during last Sunday’s post-game press conference. The Carolina Panthers’ embattled second-year quarterback grinned and cracked jokes.
Young had reason to smile.
During his second start since his Week 3 benching, Young guided the Panthers (2-7) on a four-play, 64-yard touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter, clinching a 23-22 win over the New Orleans Saints last Sunday at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers snapped a five-game losing streak as 2023 first-overall draft pick improved to 3-17 as an NFL starter.
Young’s effort, which was described as “solid” by coach Dave Canales, earned the embattled signal-caller the start against the New York Giants on Sunday in Germany.
“Where else would you rather be?” Young said when asked of his fourth-quarter mindset against the Saints. “That’s all you can ask for, you know, have a chance to go take the lead in a drive (and) that’s what we play it for. That’s what we work for. Especially as an offense, that’s all we can ask for. Everyone had that mentality.
“We all lean on each other, play for each other, and we’re able to get it done, but it was just, you know, it was a great, great team effort.”
Young, who registered a 77.6 passer rating, showed more confidence going downfield. His 26-yarder, on a third-down pass, to rookie Xavier Legette helped set up the winning score. During his opening three starts, Young averaged 5.1 yards per pass attempt. Against the Saints, he delivered six passes of at least 15 yards, finishing with a 6.6 average.
he came up big in some critical moments, you know,” Canales said. “And gave us an opportunity a couple of times. So, again, just proud of the step that he took, just taking all the things we’re asking him to do, getting us to the right place at the right time.
“So a great step.”
Will he take another overseas?
#Panthers QB Bryce Young (9) and rookie WR Xavier Legette walk – and laugh – to #NFL practice Wednesday … pic.twitter.com/XjRF98d4Se
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) October 30, 2024
Rookies Jonathon Brooks, Jaden Crumedy Set For 1st Game?
Rookie reinforcements are beginning to filter into the Panthers’ injury-depleted 53-man roster.
Canales told reporters Wednesday that rookie running back Jonathon Brooks and defensive lineman Jaden Crumedy could make their NFL debuts Sunday.
“We’ll bring Crum and Brooks onto the team,” Canales said, per Panthers.com. “We still gotta evaluate today (and Thursday) as far as if they’re up or not for the game. We’ll make that decision later on in the week, but we will expect those guys to be on the team.”
Brooks, the No. 46 overall draft pick, injured his knee last November, and opened the regular season on the reserve/non-football injury list. The team faced a Wednesday deadline to activate the former Texas standout or place him on season-ending injured reserve.
The No. 200 overall selection, Crumedy could add depth to a defensive line unit that yielded 4.8 yards per rush last Sunday.
@Panthers rookie RB Jonathon Brooks (24) could make #NFL debut vs #Giants on Sunday … pic.twitter.com/e1o4h6p4dg
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) November 7, 2024
Quick Outs
Outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum (quadriceps tear), a key offseason free-agent acquisition, could dress for the first time against the Giants or two-time Super Bow-champion Kansas City Chiefs on Nov. 24 following a bye week. … The Panthers released defensive tackle Nick Thurman on Wednesday. The 29-year-old appeared in 28 games over the past two seasons with the Panthers. … Following Wednesday’s moves, the Panthers had four openings on their active roster. … The Panthers added safety Alex Cook and wide receiver Cam Johnson to their practice squad.
DT Nick Thurman, shown on the Bank of America Stadium video board during an #NFL training camp showcase, was cut by @Panthers on Wednesday … pic.twitter.com/9eWB7hcLjJ
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) November 7, 2024
