Is Bryce Young proving he is the Panthers’ QB of the future after all? Yes, he is making a case for himself.
The Carolina Panthers (3-11) have faced a challenging season, reminding everyone that moral victories are elusive in the NFL. However, a string of narrow losses against playoff-bound teams has sparked renewed hope that second-year quarterback Bryce Young might indeed be the future of Carolina’s offense.
New head coach Dave Canales highlighted Young’s resilience during a tough matchup against the Eagles, noting his disheveled appearance after evading defenders. “He’s got stuff hanging all down his shirt afterwards,” Canales commented, illustrating Young’s determination throughout this challenging season.
“His competitive nature really came alive in that moment to keep the play alive and make someone miss,” Canales stated. “It’s the passion that drives this entire team. As long as there is time on the clock, we have a chance.” This consistent effort from Young reflects his growing understanding of the game and the strategies being implemented by the coaching staff.
A pivotal moment in Young’s career occurred during a crucial third-and-11 situation from his own 2-yard line against the Eagles. With less than three minutes remaining and trailing by four points, he skillfully maneuvered through multiple Philadelphia defenders, ultimately completing a 31-yard pass to rookie Xavier Legette. Although the drive ended at the Eagles’ 32-yard line after a missed fourth down, the play showcased Young’s potential and ability to keep hope alive.
“We knew it would take everything to compete with that team,” Young reflected post-game. “Execution at the highest level was necessary. We all share the responsibility for the outcome. There are no individual heroes here; we face this together.” This team-oriented mindset is crucial as the Panthers navigate their way through the season.
Young’s time on the bench for five games, which is uncommon for a high draft pick, may have contributed to his development. Following a victory in veteran Andy Dalton’s first start, the Panthers struggled, suffering four consecutive losses by significant margins. An injury to Dalton allowed Young to reclaim the starting role in late October, leading to back-to-back wins against the Saints and Giants. He has since positioned the team to challenge for victories in several close games.
- In a recent game against the defending champion Chiefs, Young rallied the Panthers from an 11-point deficit to tie the game with just under two minutes left, only to see the defense falter and lose on a last-second field goal.
- Facing the Bucs late in another game, Young threw a go-ahead touchdown pass to Adam Thielen, but the defense allowed a tying field goal as time expired. In overtime, the Panthers were in scoring position before a fumble derailed their chances.
- In the latest matchup with the Eagles, Young had the Panthers leading in the fourth quarter, only to watch the advantage slip away as the team failed to convert on critical fourth-down attempts.
So, has Young demonstrated enough to convince the Panthers not to pursue another quarterback in the upcoming draft? At just 23 years old, he remains younger than rookie sensations like Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix, suggesting there is still significant potential for growth while he remains a cost-effective option under his rookie contract.
Young has regained confidence, aided by Coach Canales, who has maintained a positive outlook despite the team’s struggles. Canales made the tough decision to bench Young, knowing that a coach’s future often hinges on the development of their quarterback. However, he has now provided Young with a second chance, something that many high draft picks rarely receive from their original teams.
The next month will be critical for Young as he seeks to solidify his status with the Panthers. Each victory could push the team further down the draft order, distancing them from top quarterback prospects in a 2025 class that lacks depth. With upcoming home games against the Cowboys and Cardinals, Young has a chance to play spoiler in the NFC South, finishing the season against division rivals battling for the title. While progress is essential, winning remains the ultimate goal.
“There are no participation trophies, no consolation,” Young stated after the loss. “However, it gives us confidence to know that when we execute, we perform at our best. We focus on improving, identifying what we’re doing well, and building on those strengths. It’s a good mindset for growth, but we must ensure we take those steps.”
Greg Auman is an NFL Reporter for FOX Sports. He previously spent a decade covering the Buccaneers for the Tampa Bay Times and The Athletic. You can follow him on Twitter at @gregauman.
