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It Took Bryce Young One Game to Prove Panthers Right

The Panthers might actually have their franchise quarterback.

By Joe Summers

Dec 1, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) celebrates with offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu (79) after the panthers score with 30 seconds left to take the lead in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Dec 1, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) celebrates with offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu (79) after the panthers score with 30 seconds left to take the lead in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
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The Panthers narrowly lost to the Buccaneers in overtime on Sunday but there's one major takeaway that should have every fan in Carolina thrilled: QB Bryce Young was fantastic.

Eyebrows were raised when reports suggested the organization did not intend to pursue a new signal caller in the upcoming draft, instead siding with Young for another season.

Luckily for head coach Dave Canales and general manager Dan Morgan, it took Young just one game to prove their gamble wise.

Bryce Young Proves Dave Canales Right With Excellent Week 13 Game

Young completed 26 of his 46 attempts for 298 yards and a TD, though his performance could've been even better if not for some untimely drops. He calmly led the offense on what should've been a game-winning drive, though the defense fell apart.

In overtime, Young had the Panthers in position for a game-winning field goal before Chuba Hubbard fumbled it. Carolina lost, but Young was one of the best players on the field and deserved to win.

Early in the second quarter, Young made one of the better plays by any quarterback all weekend. He calmly drifted from the pocket once he felt pressure and while running backwards, uncorked a perfect pass over the head of a defender to convert a key third down.

On replay, you can see Young's impressive anticipation and ball placement. Against a playoff-caliber team like Tampa Bay, this was a massive step in the right direction.

Over the last four weeks, the Panthers have wins over the Saints and Giants along with three-point losses to the Chiefs and Buccaneers. Young looks like a legitimate starting QB who could lead this team to the playoffs next year with a few big tweaks along the roster.

The Panthers will once again have a high draft pick, so losing over the last two weeks was a good thing. If they have their guy under center, they can use their picks to bolster the supporting cast around him.

Sooner than later, the Panthers could be legitimate NFC South contenders if Young keeps this level of play up.

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