What were some major observations from Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young's performance at the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 17?
Coming off the first 300-yard passing performance of his professional career, all eyes were on quarterback Bryce Young to see if he could continue building momentum in Week 17. This is the single biggest positive for the Carolina Panthers over the last fortnight. With no Trevor Lawrence to worry about, it was seen as another opportunity to make things happen providing everyone else met expectations.
Young's had an up-and-down rookie campaign. The Panthers haven't been the most stable environment to flourish, but the signs of life recently indicate a bright future could be in the offing if those in power do right by the promising signal-caller this offseason.
This was also Young's last chance to pick up his first NFL road win. As it turned out, any positivity that was generated over the last fortnight evaporated with a hugely disappointing reverse.
With this in mind, here are four major observations from Young's performance at the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 17.
Bryce Young's toughness
There was a significant amount of concern surrounding Bryce Young when an early sack saw the signal-caller stay down with what appeared to be a back injury. It didn't take long for the critics to surface and question his durability - something that was evident throughout his pre-draft evaluations. Thankfully for the player and the Carolina Panthers, he shut them up immediately.
After a brief spell in the blue tent, Young returned to the lineup without missing a snap. If nothing else, this speaks volumes about the player's toughness. Something that can no longer be called into question given the amount of punishment he's taken behind a porous offensive line.
Bryce Young's frustrating first half
It was a frustrating first half for Bryce Young, The Jacksonville Jaguars set out to limit the running game, which complicated matters. They also disguised coverages and blitz packages far more effectively than what transpired during their heavy loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last time out.
This led to some miscommunication from the Carolina Panthers. Young was also sacked four times and failed to get anything going. His mood changed on the sideline, which resulted in visible disappointment and perhaps even a broken tablet for good measure.
The Jaguars managed to keep Carolina in check for the most part. Not having a kicking threat thanks to Eddy Pineiro's hamstring tweak during warm-ups didn't exactly help. That said, nothing particularly clicked for an offense that made considerable strides in Week 16 versus the Green Bay Packers.
This was unfortunately reflected in the statistics where Young was concerned. It's a good job Ejiro Evero's defense returned to their typical form to keep this one relatively close despite being shut out.
- 64.28 percent completion
- 41 passing yards
- 0 TDs
- 0 INTs
- 4 sacks against
- 68.2 passer rating (ESPN)
It was a work in progress with little in the way of offensive invention from the Panthers. Young tried to make things happen, but nothing seemed to go right during a forgettable opening two quarters in the Florida sunshine.
One of those days for Bryce Young
Not many on the Carolina Panthers covered themselves in glory in this one. It was a stagnant offensive performance. Bryce Young didn't look like someone capable of putting together prolonged drives. His interception late on a throw intended for tight end Tommy Tremble was a fitting way to end such a disappointing display.
Whether the early hit knocked Young's confidence, we'll never know. There were clear timing issues with his receivers. Young was under constant duress, but that's not excusing the signal-caller in any way.
Young mustered just 112 passing yards after going for more than 300 during the previous outing. He was sacked six times and gained a lowly 53.1 passer rating as a result of his efforts. Back to the drawing board, so to speak.
The former Alabama sensation knew he wasn't playing well. Young cut a forlorn figure on the sidelines. He tried valiantly to motivate himself and others around him. But the contest was over from a long way out.
Put this down as a bad day at the office. Young's not been this poor for weeks, which is something. Even if it raises the sense of urgency to finish the season on a positive note at home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next weekend.
Bryce Young's future
This was a step backward for Bryce Young after a surge forward in recent weeks. It started slowly for the Carolina Panthers and didn't get much better after that. It wasn't all the quarterback's fault, but he did miss some opportunities as his team fell to their 14th loss of the 2023 campaign.
There was nothing open downfield. The Panthers couldn't block the stud edge-rushing tandem of Josh Allen and Travon Walker effectively. Young had to settle for short throws more often than not. Some flashes emerged - especially when the rookie was trying to breathe life back into their chances - but it wasn't enough to prevent the overall outcome.
Fortunately for everyone associated with the Panthers, there is just one game remaining. It's been one of the worst seasons in franchise history. One could forgive everyone for wanting an extended break to refresh and regroup before finding out what comes next. That goes for the team's long-suffering fanbase, too.
Young's been such a tough evaluation this season. He's an undoubted victim of circumstance. He should have perhaps performed better considering the expectations. What's important is not letting an indifferent opening to his time in the league define him moving forward.
It didn't go Young's way in this one. It doesn't all the time. But it's asinine to write off his hopes of carving out a successful career in Carolina given the context attached.