Winner No. 5
Bobby Okereke - Carolina Panthers LB
Devin Lloyd wasn't the only one who shone in the Carolina Panthers' linebacker room. Bobby Okereke continued his outstanding start with the club, which is especially impressive given he signed just before final cuts.
Okereke has slotted in seamlessly. He's picked up the scheme and is making a significant difference. His partnership with Lloyd at second level is the best Carolina has had in years, and it will only get better with more experience.
With nine tackles, one quarterback hit, one pass breakup, and another interception, Okereke is quickly validating the Panthers' decision to bring him on board. Confidence is clearly oozing from the player, and his veteran leadership has already made a lasting impression. It's early days, but if the same trend continues, this could be one of the offseason's biggest bargains.
The Atlanta Falcons couldn't get anything going on offense. Okereke's performance was a big reason why.
Loser No. 2
Jonathon Brooks - Carolina Panthers RB
As mentioned, Carolina's rout of the Falcons produced very few weak spots or bad news stories. But not for the first time in recent years, another injury concern has emerged around running back Jonathon Brooks.
After a modest contribution, Brooks left the game. Medical staff checked him out in the blue tent before he went to the locker room with a towel on his head. Head coach Dave Canales later confirmed the dual-threat weapon aggravated a groin issue he was dealing with over the summer and is considered day-to-day.
The Panthers will monitor Brooks carefully. They will always err on the side of caution with the player, given he's already suffered two torn ACLs on the same knee. But if he's feeling something, it's best to give him time rather than risking anything longer-term.
Carolina has Chuba Hubbard as the lead back, and he's playing well. Brooks is a nice complement, but he has to stay healthy.
Winner No. 6
Bryce Young - Carolina Panthers QB
Bryce Young has arrived.
The quarterback has turned things up a notch to start the campaign. Young was brilliant against the Chicago Bears without the result to show for it. He produced the goods once again in Atlanta, and everything else clicked into place around him.
Young's poise in the pocket is first-class. The new aggressive scheme being called by offensive coordinator Brad Idzik has had the desired effect. He is getting the football out cleanly and with conviction, making his chances count and looking in complete control.
Atlanta couldn't live with Young. He was sensational from start to finish, dictating the tempo and getting himself into the sort of rhythm that's difficult to stop. We're still early in the campaign, but the signal-caller is well on track to earning a bumper new contract from the franchise.
Tougher tests are coming for Young. However, it's hard to ignore the growing momentum behind the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
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