“`html
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Bryce Young is set to start as the quarterback for the Carolina Panthers for the fourth consecutive game on Sunday, facing off against the Kansas City Chiefs, who are the reigning Super Bowl champions. This announcement was made by Panthers head coach Dave Canales following the team’s return to practice after their bye week.
Before the break, the Panthers celebrated consecutive victories for the first time since 2022, triumphing over the New Orleans Saints and the New York Giants, the latter of which took place in Germany. Young has taken the helm during this winning streak.
Though the 2023 No. 1 draft pick had modest stats in those two games, totaling 297 passing yards with two touchdowns and one interception, he improved his starting record to 4-17. Canales had previously refrained from confirming Young’s starting role after the win against the Giants, indicating that he wanted to assess the situation comprehensively.
“Bryce exuded confidence during his time on the field in Germany,” Canales noted. “I sensed a notable level of confidence and assertiveness in his play, and undoubtedly, the outcome was a victory. He continually places us in a position to keep him as a starter and build upon that foundation.”
Canales also highlighted emerging chemistry between Young and the Panthers’ rookie wide receivers, Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker. He suggested that their growing rapport is enabling him to devise more plays that allow Young to target deeper passing options, thus stretching the defense.
“It’s my responsibility to create chances for him to look deep,” Canales explained. “The chemistry among the players is crucial, and understanding how to utilize various throwing techniques suited to each receiver’s strengths is essential. It’s all about chemistry, and me as the play caller identifying opportunities to exploit the defense.”
Canales plans to continually assess the quarterback situation based on weekly performance. Young was previously benched in favor of Andy Dalton after the Panthers began the season with two losses, where they were significantly outscored. However, Young reclaimed his starting role after Dalton sustained a thumb injury in a vehicle accident and has since maintained that position.
Last Sunday, the Chiefs suffered their first loss of the season, falling to the Buffalo Bills with a score of 31-20. Canales anticipates that wide receiver Adam Thielen and rookie running back Jonathon Brooks will be available for Sunday’s matchup. Brooks has yet to play this season due to recovering from an ACL injury sustained during his college career, while Thielen has been sidelined since Week 3 due to a hamstring injury incurred while executing a diving touchdown.
“`