Bryce Young's trust in Darren Waller
With the Denver Broncos boasting one of the league's best cornerbacks in Patrick Surtain II, the Carolina Panthers had to think a little differently. That meant Bryce Young had to trust his tight ends to come through more often.
They answered the call, and not for the first time this season, Pro Bowler Darren Waller led the charge.
Waller arrived in Carolina late this offseason, and he's wasted no time making his presence felt. He may not be the dynamic force of old, but he's still a physical pass-catching presence who knows how to create separation in tight windows.
More importantly, Young believes in him. And the evidence was littered throughout the contest.
When Young needed a big completion, he looked for Waller. Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker were being largely shut down on the outside, which freed up enough space over the middle for the veteran to work. And his quarterback knew precisely which areas to hit.
If the Panthers want to make strides over the second half of 2026, they need this connection between Young and Waller to continue. He might not be the focal point, but his chemistry with Young makes him an important part of the team's plans.
Bryce Young played well, but it wasn't enough
Bryce Young tried valiantly. But it wasn't enough to prevent the Panthers from suffering their third straight loss and fifth of the campaign.
Things just didn't go the Panthers' way. The officiating was questionable at best, and the defense under new interim coordinator Todd Wash eventually floundered over the second half.
As for Young, he desperately tried to spark the team, and moments down the stretch led fans to believe a comeback was possible. But the Broncos were not missing on offense, either.
And in those cases, the result is only going to go one way.
Young showed flashes of what he can do against a very good defense. But once again, this was a frustrating day for a team that seems to be in freefall at the worst possible time.
The Panthers are 3-5. The NFC South is terrible, so they are not out of the fight just yet. But even with Young's play, they still seem a long way from their goal of taking the next step into legitimate Super Bowl contention.
The Mater Dei High School graduate did what he could, but Young was always fighting a losing battle. And until the Panthers start playing complementary football for a full four quarters, it's hard to see where their next win will come from.
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