Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young was benched ahead of Week 3, but was thrust back into the starting role after Andy Dalton’s injury. Since Young’s return, the Panthers have defeated the New Orleans Saints, and New York Giants, and only lost a nail-biter to the Kansas City Chiefs.
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Young was electric against the Chiefs, completing 21 of 35 passes, tallying 282 total yards, and no interceptions. Young finished the 30-27 loss to Kansas City with a 92.8 passer rating, his best of the season.
Panthers head coach Dave Canales spoke on Young’s weekly progress since his return to the starting role.
“I don’t have to make any statements, he’s making it for himself,” Canales said. “He’s continuing to show us the progress we’re looking for, bringing our skilled players to life. Talking about Bryce, it’s the coaching staff, it’s his teammates, he’s showing us what he can do when he’s out there.”
Despite losing to the Chiefs, Young proved his value to Carolina as he helped the team nearly beat a legitimate playoff contender. Only three teams have put up 25-plus points against the Kansas City defense: Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals, Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, and Young and the Panthers.
The Panthers were down 20-6 at the half against the Chiefs, but Young helped the team in its efforts to take Kansas City to the brink. Compared to his first two starts of the season, Young looks like a completely different player in his recent starts.
“When I see Bryce out there, I think ‘Oh that’s the Alabama Bryce,'” Panthers linebacker Trevin Wallace said. “Like that’s cold. I love seeing him go make them plays. A lot of people I feel like doubted him a bit. Now he’s showing the doubters wrong and I love that about Bryce.”
Young has made a steady progression in his fourth straight start since reclaiming the starting role in Carolina after Dalton’s accident. Against the Giants in Munich, Young was 15 of 25 for 126 yards and a score.
Against the Saints, Young led the Panthers on a game-winning touchdown drive.
Originally, Canales said he would decide whether Young was the starting quarterback week-to-week. However, Young’s recent performance changed Canales’ tone when he was asked if the 23-year-old quarterback would get the start next week.
“Absolutely,” said Canales.
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