In a tough game, Carolina Panthers rookie QB Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers were no match for the Los Angeles Rams this past Sunday, as they lost 20-9. The game was held at SoFi Stadium. The Rams, winners of six in a row, were looking to keep the good times rolling against a reeling Panthers squad. Young came into the game averaging 130 scrimmage yards per game, but he didn’t come close to that with his production.
Young’s first-half performance was the most alarming, as he put together a passer rating of only 25.0. It wasn’t all perfect, as the game went on he recorded only 169 passing yards. His stat line was marred with just one touchdown compared to two potential backbreaking interceptions. His lack of confidence was particularly highlighted when the pocket was blitzed, as it has been all season long. Young’s completion percentage of 56.8% is the ninth-worst mark of all qualified quarterbacks in the league.
In retrospect, the young quarterback doesn’t fare well under pressure. He has thrown five picks when blitzed, which is tied for the most in the NFL. This contradiction calls into question his capacity to handle pressure cooker scenarios in a way that is even-keeled and sober. Young recognized the missed opportunities during the game, stating, “It sucks” regarding the plays that could have turned the tide.
Despite some promising moments in previous games, including a franchise-record 448 yards in an overtime victory against the Atlanta Falcons just a week prior, Young’s recent performance leaves much to be desired. He floundered in the face of the Rams’ defense, completing just two of six passes. After starting well, his performance turned dismal, notched in at a staggering minus-one yard and two interceptions.
In an introductory press conference, Head Coach Dave Canales made clear Young needed to improve upon his previous performances. He pushed him to take giant leaps and bounds in the passing game. He said artfully, “I have to make sure that resonates in a life form,” stressing the need to set a dynamic offensive tone from the jump. Specifically, Canales took ownership in making sure that the running game continues to be a big part of their identity. “That’s the part I can take accountability for, is making sure [the run] is a part of it throughout the process,” he stated.
The Panthers came into their matchup with the Rams intent on setting the tone with a more physical approach and physical, power-running offense. Yet their failure to implement this plan was part of what led to their on-field despair. Young would have had a clear path to a long touchdown run. Instead, he opted to throw, which highlighted his inability to make the winning plays in crunch time.
As the Panthers analyze their performance against a formidable Rams team that averaged 30.5 points per game over their last six outings, they must address Young’s inconsistency and find ways to support him better. Indeed, the next few weeks will be pivotal. The team is doing everything they can to improve their offensive performance and regain some faith in their young quarterback.
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