Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young hasn't taken long to find his groove this season. A truly dominant display against the Atlanta Falcons continued his exceptional start.
Young has always had the Falcons' number throughout his career. If he played against Atlanta every week, he'd have won NFL MVP by now. Sadly, that's not the case, but another measured performance in Week 2 was more than enough to see the Panthers run out as comfortable victors.
The former Alabama standout has always flashed tremendous promise but hasn't been consistent enough.
Bryce Young was at his surgical best during Carolina Panthers' rout of the Falcons
But this time, it feels different.
It's clear that Young is benefiting greatly from offensive coordinator Brad Idzik calling plays. The scheme is more aggressive, giving the signal-caller more freedom to be creative. He is in complete command, playing with the poise, precision, and ruthlessness typically associated with franchise-caliber quarterbacks in the league.
Week 2 was another prime example of how Young is growing before our eyes.
The conviction in his decision-making process was almost flawless. Young mixed things up, checking down when needed while also displaying an eagerness to push the football downfield. Atlanta's moribund defense had no answer, but the accuracy being displayed was impressive nonetheless.
Young's deep ball to Xavier Legette was arguably his best highlight. There were several eye-catching throws to Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker. The Heisman Trophy winner also delivered a laser to tight end Darren Waller for a touchdown, who seems to be finding his feet after a bedding-in period.
This game was out of sight from a long way out, so Young spent the closing stages joking with his teammates on the sidelines as Kenny Pickett mopped things up.
Confidence is oozing from Bryce Young with a new contract at stake
He finished the game with 63.89 percent of his passes completed for 287 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. Young's QBR was a staggering 91.2 out of 100, and his 116.3 passer rating was another strong indicator of how well the player is performing right now.
Young only secured six rushing yards, but he didn't need to get on the move. He was surgically tearing the Falcons apart in other ways.
Confidence is visibly oozing from Young right now. He looks comfortable, moves like a true alpha, and plays the game with a smile on his face.
And if the same trend continues, the Panthers will be a difficult out for anybody this season.
The Panthers added some extra motivation for Young this season. General manager Dan Morgan picked up his fifth-year option but didn't offer him anything beyond that. They wanted to see more, and the No. 1 pick in 2023 is giving it to them.
We're only two games in. There is a long way to go, and a lot of football left before Young's fate is sealed one way or another. But if this is a sign of things to come, the Panthers have the franchise player they've been looking for since Cam Newton's controversial release six years ago.
Young has arrived. It might have taken longer than expected, but the most important thing is he got there in the end.
And a few more performances like this will silence every remaining doubter for good.
Bryce Young performance grade: A
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