The Carolina Panthers didn't get a win for Christmas, but they got the next best thing. Thanks to quarterback Bryce Young's career day, the organization finally has hope.
In Week 16's 33-30 loss to the Green Bay Packers, Young went 23-of-35 for 312 yards (8.9 yards per attempt) and two touchdowns. He shined in the second half, including on this touchdown throw in the fourth quarter that resembled his exceptional playmaking ability while at Alabama.
What a play by Bryce Young!@Panthers making this a one-possession game.
— NFL (@NFL) December 24, 2023
: #GBvsCAR on FOX
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/UIg1XAjsX3 pic.twitter.com/WJIZShXQm7
With the pocket collapsing around him, Young moved to his right and threw a dart on the run to wide receiver D.J. Chark near the back of the end zone.
Later, while attempting to drive Carolina down the field for a tying field goal with 18 seconds remaining, Young expertly placed this ball to Chark, who did a remarkable job of dragging his left foot to complete the catch along the sideline for a 22-yard gain.
WHAT A THROW BY BRYCE YOUNG.
— NFL (@NFL) December 24, 2023
: #GBvsCAR on FOX
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/UIg1XAjsX3 pic.twitter.com/DpPI2X0fh8
Per NFL Next Gen Stats, Young "generated positive passing [expected points added] (+12.2) for the first time in a game in his career."
NGS also noted the No. 1 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft thrived when targeting receivers on intermediate routes (10-19 yards downfield), going 10-of-16 for 178 yards and two touchdowns on those passes.
Bryce Young generated positive passing EPA (+12.2) for the first time in a game in his career.
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) December 24, 2023
Young targeted in the intermediate area (10-19 air yards) at the highest rate in a game this season (45.7%), competing 10 of 16 passes for 178 yards & 2 TD.#GBvsCAR | #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/TSwPDDQYAs
Young's strong outing is a positive sign for the Panthers during a season in which they've had little to celebrate. Carolina (2-13) traded its 2024 first-round pick – projected to be No. 1 overall – to the Bears to move up during this year's draft to select Young. His struggles prior to Week 16 illustrated the quality of the roster around him, suggesting a rebuild could take years. Prior to Sunday's game, Young ranked as the second-worst quarterback in ESPN's QBR metric, ahead of only New York Jets signal-caller Zach Wilson.
One good game against a Packers team with a beleaguered defensive coordinator (Joe Barry) doesn't erase all the negatives from Young's first season. Still, it's the most positive sign yet that Young can be Carolina's quarterback of the future.
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