Winner No. 2
Devin Lloyd - Carolina Panthers LB
The Carolina Panthers were depleted on defense. That made it even more important for the franchise cornerstones to step up and make their presence felt, including second-team All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloyd.
He delivered when it mattered most.
Lloyd seemed to be around the action constantly, filling gaps against the run while also making a difference in coverage when needed. His ability to communicate and organize a patchwork defense was equally important, and the Panthers probably wouldn't have won this game without him.
The Panthers believed Lloyd could become their next great linebacker, ending a barren stretch after Luke Kuechly's retirement. It's still early, but their judgment looks shrewd, and the Utah product will only get better as he becomes more comfortable.
Lloyd is repaying Carolina's faith and then some. His performance against the Lions was outstanding, and the Panthers will expect more of the same when they return from their bye.
Loser No. 2
Ryan Fitzgerald - Carolina Panthers PK
This game was a lot closer than it should have been. The Panthers were the better team from the outset, but they had to work hard right until the end to secure their second triumph of the campaign.
Things might have been a bit more comfortable had Ryan Fitzgerald been more consistent. The second-year kicker made both of his field goals, but missing two extra points was disappointing and surprising in equal measure.
Fitzgerald's been a revelation since joining the Panthers as an undrafted free agent out of Florida State last year. He looks more than capable of becoming the team's long-term option, but this was not his best day.
Fortunately, the Panthers don't have too much to worry about with Fitzgerald. The sample size is large enough to suggest this is a blip rather than the start of something more concerning, but he'll need a big response after the bye week to ease any doubts.
Winner No. 3
Bryce Young - Carolina Panthers QB
Bryce Young is the league's best quarterback right now. He is playing lights out, and he still leads the NFL in passing yards after a sensational performance against the Lions.
Calling Young the best might be pushing it for some, but the high-level performances are undeniable. He might not win NFL MVP at season's end, but the Alabama product is in the early discussions. His surgical performance, with the entire NFL watching, proved just how far he's come.
Young carved open the Lions, time and time again. His poise, conviction, and confidence under center are night and day compared to his rookie campaign. The signal-caller believes, and he looks like the franchise presence Carolina's needed since the days of Cam Newton.
The Panthers must love what they see from Young. And if the same trend continues in the coming weeks, starting contract negotiations with his representatives would be wise.
Because yesterday's price is not today's price.
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