Bryce Young turned on the style against the Chicago Bears. The Carolina Panthers didn't get the win, thanks in no small part to their woeful defense, but the quarterback showed the right qualities offensive coordinator Brad Idzik wanted in his first game as the new play-caller.
It was refreshing to see.
Young looked poised, in control, and came through in big moments. Caleb Williams was in mercurial form for the Bears, who also gained 291 yards and six scores on the ground to overwhelm the home team at Bank of America Stadium.
Bryce Young did everything possible to help the Carolina Panthers win, but it wasn't enough
But this was not on Young. Not by a long shot.
The signal-caller showcased true franchise-caliber credentials to kick off a crucial Year 4 of his professional career. Young is looking to secure a bumper new contract extension this offseason, and general manager Dan Morgan is making him earn everything despite picking up his fifth-year option.
If this represented a challenge for Young, he's taken it on with his customary conviction and quiet determination.
There was much more command. Young was in complete control, with no play-clock issues whatsoever. More importantly, the former Alabama star was accurate with the timing needed to give his playmakers the best possible chance of success.
Perhaps the biggest positive was Young's calmness under center. It would have been easy to panic or fold when Chicago's offense was scoring almost at will, but he stayed the course. And the added confidence to push the ball downfield added a different dynamic entirely.
Of course, Young didn't make every throw. But it was among his best games in Carolina since becoming the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Bryce Young has set a new bar that could secure long-term Carolina Panthers deal
And it's the new bar he's now set for himself.
Young's deep ball is vastly underrated. His pocket navigation is exceptional, as is his pressure recognition and his ability to know when to get rid of the football. His high football IQ also lets him move through progressions quickly.
That is a dangerous combination if Young can keep this up. And becoming more consistent will be the key to unlocking his true potential.
This was a positive first step from Young. Pro Bowl interior offensive lineman Robert Hunt agreed, claiming the Heisman Trophy winner did precisely what was required to get the job done.
"He did what he had to do. He felt good. He felt confident, and he sat in the pocket and delivered the football well, and the guy made plays, and we did a good job protecting. So, that's what it was. Bryce did a fantastic job today, man. He looked good."
If Young keeps up this level of production throughout the campaign and Ejiro Evero's defense gets its act together, the Panthers will be a tough out. This should also earn the franchise a handsome financial reward once the campaign concludes.
And potentially even before then.
Bryce Young performance grade for Week 1: A
Young revealed that he didn't get to enjoy his strong performance, given the team suffered a humiliating loss. It was a humbling defeat that brought this rising organization crashing back down to earth. But for the quarterback, this has to be the beginning of a profitable prime.
It was as polished a performance as Young has ever put together, certainly in the first half. And if this is the start of things to come, the Panthers are in good hands.
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