Bryce Young is set to embark on his first journey to Europe. The 23-year-old quarterback will open a brand new passport as the Carolina Panthers prepare to face the New York Giants this Sunday, marking a matchup between two teams with identical 2-7 records.
Young preserved his starting position after driving the Panthers down the field for a game-winning touchdown in a recent 23-22 victory against the New Orleans Saints. Now, as last year’s top overall draft pick, he’s looking to guide the Panthers to consecutive wins for the first time since December 2022.
He was chosen to start over a fully recovered Andy Dalton. Dalton had taken on starting duties in Week 3 after head coach Dave Canales opted to bench Young due to a sluggish start to the season. However, Dalton hasn’t played since suffering a right thumb injury in a traffic incident and will serve as the backup once again this week.
“He did a tremendous job of closing out that game in the right manner, finding a way to win, and showing true grit, so I was very proud of Bryce for that,” Canales remarked. “I processed all the information and wanted to provide him another chance to face the Giants this week in Germany.”
Despite holding a record of 3-17 as a starter in the NFL, Young expressed gratitude for this opportunity, although his long-term prospects with the team remain up in the air.
“The more experiences I gain, the more comfortable I become,” Young stated. “That’s the kind of growth we aim to continue building upon.”
The Panthers’ defense, which has allowed the most points in the league, is preparing to face Daniel Jones, the Giants’ quarterback who grew up in Charlotte and supported the Panthers during his time at Charlotte Latin High School. Jones will encounter his hometown team far from home.
“It helps to realize how much progress you’ve made and the chance you have to play in the NFL,” Jones stated. “I have a great deal of appreciation for that. But once the game starts, it’s just another competition.”
The Giants have experienced four consecutive losses; however, Jones now has the opportunity to improve the situation against a weak Carolina defense.
Regarding past teammates, this match raises the question: Will it be the Brian Burns revenge game? The Giants’ linebacker was drafted by the Panthers as the 16th overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. During his time with Carolina, Burns recorded 59 tackles for loss and 46 sacks over 80 games, consistently posting at least 7.5 sacks each season. However, after the Panthers opted not to extend his contract, he was traded to New York in the offseason.
Currently, Burns has accumulated five sacks and 36 tackles over nine games. “For me, it’s just another game,” Burns commented. “My preparation remains the same, and I plan to secure a win in Germany.”
No one is more thrilled about the trip to Germany than Giants fullback Jakob Johnson, who hails from Stuttgart. The 29-year-old has been on and off the transaction wire multiple times this season, finding himself signed, waived, and promoted to the active roster frequently. He remains on the practice squad this week but will be making the journey.
Johnson has purchased 52 tickets for friends and family, noting that when he began playing in 2007, football in Germany was seen as somewhat of an extreme sport like skateboarding. Now, he observes that the sport has significantly grown in popularity.
“People may be surprised by the turnout. Not everyone will wear Giants and Panthers gear, but they will show up in fan attire and they will be loud,” Johnson commented.
In other updates, the Panthers are optimistic about rookie running back Jonathon Brooks making his debut, which could enhance their backfield depth and introduce a new scoring threat thanks to his impressive speed.
Brooks, who underwent ACL surgery during his final year at Texas, was activated to the 53-man roster this week. Chuba Hubbard, who secured a four-year contract extension on Thursday, remains the starting running back and is anticipated to lead the carries. Hubbard has totaled 665 rushing yards and five touchdowns, averaging five yards per carry this season.
Dan Morgan, the Panthers’ general manager, praised Hubbard: “He embodies everything we aspire to on and off the field. Chuba has a true passion for football, proves to be productive, and is dedicated to his teammates and winning.”
The wide receiver corps for the Panthers has seen recent changes, as they have traded Diontae Johnson and Jonathan Mingo, leading to a shortage at that position. With Adam Thielen’s status still uncertain due to a hamstring injury that has kept him out for the last six weeks, the Panthers may utilize tight end Jordan Matthews as a receiver. Deven Thompkins may also get some chances on the field.
“I believe a lot in Jordan, and we’ll count on him to help us in various roles,” Canales added. “That’s our expectation; he will be able to contribute in different ways.”
Rookies Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker, along with veteran David Moore, are projected to take on significant responsibilities at the wide receiver position.
When it comes to international play, the New York Giants have an impressive record of 3-0 in regular-season games held in Europe, while the Panthers are currently at 1-0. The Giants celebrated victories in London in 2007, 2016, and 2022, successfully reaching the playoffs in each of those years and securing a Super Bowl victory. They stand among six undefeated teams in international games, joining the ranks of Minnesota (4-0), Kansas City (3-0), Philadelphia (3-0), Dallas (1-0), and Carolina. The Panthers previously triumphed over Tampa Bay in London in 2019.