Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young could only watch and wait as kicker Eddie Pineiro knocked through a 23-yard field goal to seal his first win in the NFL. Going 22-for-31 on Sunday, Young led the Panthers to a 15-13 win over the Houston Texans and fellow rookie QB C.J. Stroud.
Carolina took losses to Atlanta, New Orleans, Seattle, Minnesota, Detroit and Miami before finally notching the first win of the 2023 season.
After throwing four interceptions in the first seven weeks, Young was mistake-free against Houston. He wrapped up the game with 235 passing yards and one touchdown, as well as six sacks. He also carried the ball four times for a gain of 11 yards.
Cameras in the stadium caught Young receiving a lot of love from Panthers quarterbacks coach and former NFL QB Josh McCown as the field goal attempt soared through the uprights.
Young has 967 passing yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions in six games this year. He missed the game against the Seahawks due to an ankle injury.
Young notches first NFL win for Carolina after six game slog
Going from competing for national championships with Alabama to racking up losses with Carolina, Young’s transition from college to the NFL has been tough. However, the rookie is keeping his head high.
“It’s tough. Love this team, believe in this team; I’m blessed and happy to be a part of this team. And obviously, it’s not where we want to be, hasn’t been what we wanted,” Young said prior to Week 8, per the team’s website. “It’s tough, but we’ve got to keep building, keep growing, trying to find things to continue to improve on, things that we’ve had. We’ve got to expand on it. We’ve got to keep building on the positives, and then, obviously, a lot to clean up.”
Ahead of the matchup between Young and Stroud, Panthers head coach Frank Reich opened up about why they went for the Crimson Tide star instead of the Buckeyes standout.
“Yeah, I mean, we got the guy we wanted to get and couldn’t be happier about that in every way,” Reich said Wednesday. “And I would say this: I’m happy for CJ. He’s had six good games, and I have no doubt he’ll have many more good games. But I know this: when it comes to evaluating quarterbacks or any position, it’s years, not weeks.”
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