In a thrilling turn of events, rookie quarterback Bryce Young led the Carolina Panthers to a heart-stopping 23-22 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. The top pick of the 2023 NFL draft showcased his poise and potential, engineering a game-winning touchdown drive in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. However, despite Young’s impressive performance, head coach Dave Canales remained noncommittal about the young signal-caller’s starting status for the team’s upcoming Week 10 matchup against the New York Giants in Munich, Germany.
A Moment of Brilliance
With just 3:26 remaining on the clock and the Panthers trailing by six points, Young stepped into the huddle and delivered a message that resonated with his teammates. Wide receiver David Moore recalled the rookie’s words: “He said, ‘Let’s go get this win! Why can’t it be us?'” Young’s confidence and leadership shone through as he orchestrated a 64-yard drive that culminated in running back Chuba Hubbard’s 16-yard touchdown scamper, sealing the victory for Carolina.
The defining moment of the drive came on a critical third-and-10 from the Panthers’ own 36-yard line. Young displayed his accuracy and poise, firing a strike over the middle to rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette for a crucial 26-yard gain. He followed that up with another precise pass to rookie tight end J.T. Sanders, drawing a pass interference penalty that positioned the Panthers at the Saints’ 16-yard line, setting the stage for Hubbard’s heroics.
Uncertainty Looms
Despite Young’s clutch performance, Coach Canales remained cautious about committing to the rookie as the starter for Week 10. “He came up big in some critical moments and gave us an opportunity a couple of times,” Canales acknowledged. “Just proud of the step that he took again. He’s taken all the things we’re asking him to do, getting us to the right place at the right time.” However, the coach emphasized the need to evaluate all the information and game film before making a decision, stating, “We’ve got a process. We’ve got to make sure we look at all this stuff.”
The uncertainty surrounding Young’s status stems from his struggles earlier in the season. The rookie quarterback, who entered Sunday’s game with a 3-17 career record, including a 1-3 mark this season, was benched after an 0-2 start. Veteran Andy Dalton, who was healthy enough to play against the Saints, had taken over the starting role before suffering a minor car accident that resulted in a sprained thumb. Canales’ reluctance to fully endorse Young as the starter moving forward suggests that the coaching staff is still evaluating the best path for the team’s success.
A Promising Future
While Young’s numbers on Sunday – 16 of 26 passing for 171 yards, one touchdown, and one interception – may not jump off the stat sheet, his teammates and coaches recognized the growth and potential he displayed. Guard Robert Hunt praised the rookie’s resilience, stating, “This cat has been through so much. But I’ve seen the fire in him. He can compete now. I like the way he competes. He’ll bring it all back. He’s young, man. He’s a competitor. And today he did really well.”
Young’s touchdown pass to Legette in the second quarter, a perfectly placed ball on second-and-goal from the 3-yard line, showcased his accuracy and touch. Even his lone interception, which Legette admitted he should have caught, did not deter the rookie from maintaining his composure and leading the team to victory.
The Road Ahead
As the Panthers prepare for their Week 10 clash with the Giants in Munich, the question of who will lead the offense remains unanswered. Young, while appreciative of the opportunity to compete and contribute to the team’s success, understands that the coaching staff will make the decision they believe is best for the team. “We will deal with that at the appropriate time,” Young said of his potential starting status. “You give yourself a little grace to enjoy [this]. There’s little time to just celebrate.”
Regardless of whether Young takes the field as the starter in Germany, his performance against the Saints served as a glimpse into the potential future of the Carolina Panthers’ franchise. As the team continues to navigate the challenges of the season, the development and growth of their young quarterback will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping their path forward.
Despite Young’s clutch performance, Coach Canales remained cautious about committing to the rookie as the starter for Week 10. “He came up big in some critical moments and gave us an opportunity a couple of times,” Canales acknowledged. “Just proud of the step that he took again. He’s taken all the things we’re asking him to do, getting us to the right place at the right time.” However, the coach emphasized the need to evaluate all the information and game film before making a decision, stating, “We’ve got a process. We’ve got to make sure we look at all this stuff.”
The uncertainty surrounding Young’s status stems from his struggles earlier in the season. The rookie quarterback, who entered Sunday’s game with a 3-17 career record, including a 1-3 mark this season, was benched after an 0-2 start. Veteran Andy Dalton, who was healthy enough to play against the Saints, had taken over the starting role before suffering a minor car accident that resulted in a sprained thumb. Canales’ reluctance to fully endorse Young as the starter moving forward suggests that the coaching staff is still evaluating the best path for the team’s success.
A Promising Future
While Young’s numbers on Sunday – 16 of 26 passing for 171 yards, one touchdown, and one interception – may not jump off the stat sheet, his teammates and coaches recognized the growth and potential he displayed. Guard Robert Hunt praised the rookie’s resilience, stating, “This cat has been through so much. But I’ve seen the fire in him. He can compete now. I like the way he competes. He’ll bring it all back. He’s young, man. He’s a competitor. And today he did really well.”
Young’s touchdown pass to Legette in the second quarter, a perfectly placed ball on second-and-goal from the 3-yard line, showcased his accuracy and touch. Even his lone interception, which Legette admitted he should have caught, did not deter the rookie from maintaining his composure and leading the team to victory.
The Road Ahead
As the Panthers prepare for their Week 10 clash with the Giants in Munich, the question of who will lead the offense remains unanswered. Young, while appreciative of the opportunity to compete and contribute to the team’s success, understands that the coaching staff will make the decision they believe is best for the team. “We will deal with that at the appropriate time,” Young said of his potential starting status. “You give yourself a little grace to enjoy [this]. There’s little time to just celebrate.”
Regardless of whether Young takes the field as the starter in Germany, his performance against the Saints served as a glimpse into the potential future of the Carolina Panthers’ franchise. As the team continues to navigate the challenges of the season, the development and growth of their young quarterback will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping their path forward.
