Bryce Young had been on a tear at the start of the 2026 season. But the Carolina Panthers quarterback found life much harder in Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns.
Young struggled to get anything going for a prolonged period. But given the subpar protection in front of him, it's a wonder he generated any momentum.
The signal-caller's electrifying start has masked some problems along the offensive line. Carolina is missing its starting tackle tandem of Taylor Moton and Ikem Ekwonu. Established veterans are underperforming along the interior. They've been brushed aside up to now, but the Browns managed to expose them almost at will.
Bryce Young was way down the Carolina Panthers' list of Week 3 problems
According to SumerSports, Young was pressured on 30 of 47 dropbacks in Cleveland. That's 63.86 percent, which is completely unacceptable and cannot continue for much longer.
Young is a rhythm quarterback. He doesn't need much time to go through his progressions, but he does need some. The pocket was collapsing with alarming frequency, led by dominant performances from Jared Verse and Mason Graham. Carolina couldn't cope, and the entire offense stalled.
The former Alabama standout tried valiantly. Young had a couple of throws he would like to take back, but when he got time, he showed impressive velocity and timing. Highlights included a couple of deep shots to wide receiver Brycen Tremayne, while the signal-caller got the tight ends involved impressively throughout.
But with the Browns focusing on neutralizing Tetairoa McMillan with Jalen Coker out of the game, it was always going to hurt. And an interception on the final drive summed it up pretty well.
To make matters worse, Young was clearly favoring an ankle problem after one sack.
Rhythm is key for Bryce Young, and Carolina Panthers offensive line failed him
He got checked out in the medical tent but kept fighting. Head coach Dave Canales revealed after the game that Young was dealing with something, but further tests will confirm exactly what the problem is.
Not ideal with the Panthers hosting a Sunday Night Football game against the Detroit Lions next weekend. But given his competitive fire, it would have to be pretty severe for Young to miss time.
Young had some good moments in Week 3. He had some bad moments.
But even though the quarterback is often the scapegoat, he was way down their list of problems.
The Panthers are now in a precarious situation with one game remaining until their early bye week. That is coming at a good time with so many injuries piling up. But if they are 1-3 during their extended rest period, that will bring far more questions than answers.
Young needs everything around him to improve. He wasn't perfect by any stretch, but on closer review of the game film, it was miraculous that he made any plays given how much duress he was under.
It's just one game. Young still leads the league in passing yards with 939. He's making all the right noises. And once the offensive line provides some semblance of consistency, the results will no doubt improve.
Until then, Young might be fighting a losing battle. Teams now know how to attack Carolina's protection. Adjustments are needed, but this game was not on the quarterback.
Bryce Young performance grade: B
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