Despite coming up short, the Carolina Panthers brought everything they could against the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs . They showed that they could scare anyone even at this early stage of their reconstruction.
Leading terror on Sunday, to two-time MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes, his counterpart was Bryce Young – who continued his path to resurgence. For the fourth straight season, the former No. 1 pick showed improvement in almost every part of his game — even against one of the league's best defenses.
Young completed 21 of his 35 throws for a season-high 263 yards and a touchdown. While these box score numbers don't necessarily count as a final result, the 23-year-old's performance could go down as the 23-year-old's best performance as a pro.
So, let's Check out the All-22 to see some of Young's best throws from his most encouraging offering yet. . .
The film
Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo did an excellent job disguising pressures and coverages while trying to put the quarterback at a disadvantage in the pocket or outside the offensive line. Throughout the game, “Spags” threw almost everything he could at Young, who responded with poise to every pass he was pressured to make.
This is the first third of the game. The Chiefs leave a defensive end in coverage while they attack their linebackers. Running back Chuba Hubbard picks up linebacker Drue Tranquill to give Young time to anticipate and rip the pass to wide receiver David Moore on the dig.
Nice crease from Canales to add that yo-yo move with Chuba Hubbard. Great lightning pickup.
Good job from Bryce to hold his own and give Davis Moore a nice win.
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft)
If you notice after the snap, he scans the field from left to right to determine the best offense and zone matchup. This game plan worked against the Chiefs' defensive reputation and left a void near the original Panthers logo.
Young's willingness to stand his ground boldly was one of his many improvements. In his first two games this season, he would have panicked and unnecessarily tried to make a big play out of structure.
The next play might look like Young saying one of those prayers. But instead, it's a 28-yard completion to Ja'Tavion Sanders during one of several crucial drives in the game.
Carolina comes out with an empty set, with the concept forcing Young to work the entire alignment in his progressions. One thing that can be seen here is how the former Heisman Trophy winner turns his gaze downward.
Just as Young begins to break free from the pocket, Sanders begins to move upfield. The ball looks like a floater, but is intended for a specific target and allows for a precise pass downfield.
The trust between Young and his playmakers has increased. He hasn't shown that in his first two games this season. As that trust and chemistry continues to build and grow, Young's game will continue to grow as the game soon comes to a close.
Bryce reads the entire field from the empty field. Works out of structure and passes that to Sanders, who does a good job readjusting his route and positioning to make a play on that football (please be healthy).
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft)
Here's another example of Young building trust with his teammates, especially the offensive line.
Once again he works hard against Cover 3. There are conflicts within the transition process in defense against the post corner. Young sees this before Moore finishes his break and shoots a 17-yard connection.
Watch how he navigates the pocket and his footwork within it. Young is intentional with his drop and climbs well into the pocket. His footwork will never be as flawless as the bigger signal callers at his position, but switching to his drop and working the pocket is a step in the right direction.
Again, Bryce works out of nowhere. Does a great job climbing in your pocket. Look how intentional this waste is.
Accurate ball to David Moore on the corner (or out depending on how you see the positioning).
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft)
A key statistic from Young's performance against the Chiefs is that he was 11 of 14 for 123 yards and a touchdown against the Blitz, showing how spectacular he was against pressure on Sunday.
This piece is probably the best of Young's career so far. Late in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs are playing third-and-10 Cover 0 – meaning all four of their defensive backs are playing man coverage while everyone else is going after the quarterback.
Young works quickly until the end. Once he does, he releases the ball expectantly to Moore – who hasn't yet turned his head toward the ball. This pass is thrown to a rope as Young is almost destroyed by the Chiefs defenders.
Without this play, the Panthers may not have been able to tie the game to give themselves a chance at the end.
3rd and 10 vs. Cover 0.
Incredible throw vs. pressure. Perhaps the best thing of Bryce's career so far.
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft)
From the end zone angle. Absurd. 9 is a baller.
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft)
The verdict
Let's be critical.
Sure, Young still had a few plays on the field, including a few dropped passes and a few missed open receivers. If we're honest, even the top quarterbacks in the league will miss open players as they move up.
That's not to say Young is a top quarterback. He still has a lot to prove and needs to maintain his current consistency as a passer before he can finally assert himself as the team's long-term answer. However, Sunday's performance should have cemented him as a starter for the rest of the season.
Nobody is showcasing Young or crowning him the best passer. All everyone expected was for him to show signs of being one, and he did that against the sport's defending champions.
Carolina and head coach Dave Canales now have a quarterback they can rely on to make the throws needed to give the offense an advantage. This is what Young looks like with at least average talent around him. Just imagine the possibilities he could do with an elite playmaker on the outside.
Given the opponent and the circumstances, this was Young's best career performance to date.