Romans 12:12 says, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” On Sunday night, the Carolina Panthers proved patience pays. Quarterback Bryce Young threw for 329 yards and two touchdowns as the Panthers defeated the Detroit Lions 32-26 during NBC Sports’ Sunday Night Football, the first time the Panthers were featured since 2015. And for large portions of that game, the score did not accurately indicate how dominant Bryce actually was.
Young was in total control. Calm. Decisive. Dialed in on every read. Detroit’s defense couldn’t stop a line of ants, and he shredded it anyway. It was the same point guard I photographed at Alabama not so long ago, only now with an NFL offense in his hands.
Tetairoa McMillan had 14 catches for 192 yards and two touchdowns. All the more remarkable considering Carolina was without Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette.
The numbers back it up. Through four games, Young has 1,268 yards, nine touchdowns, two interceptions, and a completion rate near 63%. Against Detroit, he hit 70%. He leads the league in passing first downs (63), completions of 10-plus yards (55), completions of 25-plus yards (13), and deep passing yards (321). His nine touchdown passes are tied for third.
So, is an MVP candidate emerging?
“Yeah, I heard it,” Young said. “In the moment, you’re just focusing on executing and trying to move the team. Obviously, a huge blessing, the support, and I mean the Bank tonight was electric. They caused some false starts. They made it hard on them, and when the Bank’s rocking like that, we take a lot of pride in that. So I’m super, super grateful for the fans.”
Yes, the Panthers have only faced the Bears, Falcons, Browns, and Lions. But Young is making the most of it. He’s building on what offensive coordinator Brad Izdik put in place: get the ball out on time and make the right read on every snap.
The critics have continually said of Young: he’s too short, he’s too light, he isn’t strong, he’s injury-prone, and he’s a bust. However, a quarterback in the NFL is only as good as the structure surrounding him. In four years, Young was sacked 128 times (including 10 this season). However, Young’s (and Carolina’s) perseverance is paying off.
During the bye week, Young and the Panthers will be reminded of Galatians 6:9. It says, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
