What were some major observations from Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young's performance versus the Atlanta Falcons in Week 15?
Four games stand in the way of Bryce Young successfully coming through his rookie campaign unscathed. That's about the only positive right now thanks to suspect recruitment from the Carolina Panthers and woeful protection sapping every inch of confidence out of the quarterback in 2023.
Young's development - or lack thereof - was one of the primary reasons Frank Reich was fired. There's been no genuine growth since Chris Tabor, Jim Caldwell, and Thomas Brown became more influential. So the No. 1 overall selection just needs to ride out the storm and pray team owner David Tepper hires the right guys when the 2024 head coaching cycle commences.
The Atlanta Falcons have been complimentary of Young this week, but they weren't going to be doing the former Alabama sensation any favors in their quest to lift the NFC South title. As it turned out, the Panthers held firm and came through late to pick up their second triumph of the campaign.
With this in mind, here are four major observations from Young's performance at Bank of America Stadium in Week 15.
Bryce Young's altered approach
It came as no surprise to see the Carolina Panthers adopt a different approach in such torrid weather conditions. The rain was lashing down at Bank of America Stadium and the wind was strong. This led to offensive coordinator Thomas Brown adopting a run-heavy scheme in pursuit of keeping turnover chances to a minimum.
Young did get some opportunities to come into his own - especially during a two-minute drill to end the first half. But this was all about managing the game rather than doing anything especially spectacular in difficult circumstances.
Bryce Young's resolve
It would be easy for Bryce Young to throw in the towel after what's transpired throughout the season. Fortunately for the Carolina Panthers, that's not how the quarterback is wired.
In the most awful conditions, Young's resolve was noticeable. He played with a smile on his face, never taking a step back versus a divisional rival. Even when things didn't go according to plan from one play to the next, the signal-caller just shrugged it off and kept plowing forward.
This was never going to be a game for the purists. It was all about perseverance and living to fight another day. Fighting is exactly what Young did from the moment he stepped onto the field until the moment he walked into the locker room.
It might not fill up the stat sheet. It might not prevent the Panthers from suffering further embarrassment as the season reaches its conclusion. But Young's high character and willingness to keep plugging away no matter the situation is something that should be commended.
If Young can keep this sort of mentality throughout his career, he'll be just fine. More importantly, this constant outpouring of desire and leading by example rubbed off positively on his offensive teammates when it could have easily gone the other way.
Bryce Young's clutch gene
NFL games are all about moments. Can your best players step up when it matters most?
This game came down to two key areas. Desmond Ridder's crucial red-zone interception with the win in reach and Bryce Young's final drive mercifully led to a game-winning field goal from Eddy Pineiro.
Young was given a tall task. The Panthers were backed up deep in their territory with their backs against the wall. Instead of wilting under pressure, the signal-caller kept his composure and masterminded an exceptional series of plays that demonstrated the clutch gene lives in the No. 1 overall pick.
The poise in the pocket with everything on the line was outstanding. Young converted some tough throws. He got plenty of help from Carolina's rushing attack. And wide receiver D.J. Chark's catch was one of the season's brightest highlights by a considerable margin.
There was no panic whatsoever in Young. His nerves of steel got the Panthers downfield with efficiency. Everything was executed almost to perfection.
One could make a case for this being the best performance of Young's career. Especially when one considers the mitigating circumstances of low confidence and incredibly bad weather.
Carolina knows they have a guy capable of getting them over the finish line. They just have to give him more opportunities to do just that moving forward.
Bryce Young impressed
Bryce Young was fighting two opponents during Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. These were the opposing team and the adverse weather conditions that descended on Charlotte in good time for the clash.
Young struggled to get into a rhythm early. It was difficult to see anything besides the lashing rain for the most part. This meant the signal-caller had to pick his spots more effectively and protect the football. Something he accomplished relatively well despite the obvious challenges.
There were some nice moments from Young. His accuracy was improved. There was better pocket navigation than in previous weeks. He managed to make some eye-catching throws when opportunities arose.
Gaining any positives from this game was going to be a tall order. The rain was unrelenting from start to finish. But when Young puts on the film and examines his contribution, there will be far more good than bad to take away.
Young now has three more games to get through before bringing the curtain down on his rookie campaign. The Heisman Trophy winner's performance indicates he's still fighting with everything in his being. For once this season, there was something to show for it.