For two weeks, the Carolina Panthers let their superior opponents fall by the wayside. And even though they came up short in those games, one particular player definitely came through.
That was the story of to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where the Panthers failed in overtime. Despite some largely solid plays, a few mistakes ultimately proved costly for Carolina.
But how Against the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12, it was quarterback Bryce Young's standout performance that still grabbed headlines. He completed 26 of his 46 throws for a season-high 298 yards and recorded two touchdowns.
Let's look at some of the All-22 film, another encouraging departure from last year's No. 1 overall pick. . .
The film
Young has shown some consistency by not putting the ball in danger and maintaining his composure when the defense collapsed around him. Since returning as a starter, he's also added a few more elements – far harder throws and timing, anticipation and speed.
Take this throw below for example.
Young has an uncanny ability to place his passes exactly where he needs or wants them. Although this is more of a floater, the sideline angle showed wide receiver David Moore making a long-range tackle.
And before he's even on the break, Young unloads the ball from far field. The pass is placed away from the defender and into the hands of Moore, who is unable to grab the ball.
What a damn throw here from Bryce Young from distance. Liked 😔
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft)
Young has excelled against pressure and opposing attacks. He's starting to have more confidence, not just in play-calling, but also in his receivers and defense up front.
This is where his composure comes into its own. The center doesn't gain enough depth in his set and it allows Buccaneers defensive lineman Vita Vea to get around him and flatten Young.
However, just like the previous example, Young releases the ball before Moore is even on his break. Knowing he can't make it, Young adds some run to his pitch and zaps an online throw to Moore, who also drops that pass.
Bad anticipation throw from Young with the lightning bolt in the face. Drop again.
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft)
One of the few playmakers Young can rely on the most is veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen – who is still effective at 34 years old.
Once again, Young does a great job of keeping his feet on the ground, allowing him to generate speed and move that pass between two defenders to Thielen for a “touchdown.” . . although incomplete like the first call and after a check.
Trusting your playmakers to make a throw like that shows that Young has regained or regained his confidence and poise as a passer. Passes like these will become more commonplace as Young continues to grow.
“Bryce doesn’t throw hard enough.”
“If he doesn’t break his fingers, he doesn’t have a good arm.”
Great momentum and speed on this touchdown pass from #9 behind two defenders.
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft)
The verdict
Sunday's game made a few things clear for Young – and that starts with his surroundings. Word in the offseason was that Young would improve drastically at quarterback with an average group of talented players around him.
Although the results weren't obvious at first, they are now – just over a month after his first game as a substitute. This offseason will be primarily about surrounding the youth ranks with better talent, with some veteran playmakers set to hit free agency and some high-profile talent available in the draft.
We'll see how the front office addresses the issue at some point, but it's clear that Young has been playing the best ball of his NFL career in recent weeks and would certainly benefit from strengthening his supporting cast.
