CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Bryce Young is starting to demonstrate his ability to perform under pressure.
The Carolina Panthers, with a record of 3-9, are now focused on learning how to secure victories in tightly contested games.
Young led a 60-yard touchdown drive on Sunday, culminating in a 25-yard touchdown pass to Adam Thielen, which gave the Panthers a brief 23-20 lead over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with just 30 seconds remaining.
However, as Young was directing what could have been a game-winning drive in overtime, Chuba Hubbard’s fumble at the 29-yard line of the Buccaneers paved the way for Tampa Bay’s 26-23 victory.
In the past two weeks, the previously criticized top overall pick of last year’s draft has showcased his potential for clutch performances, prompting some fans to refer to him as “Alabama Bryce,” reminiscent of the Heisman Trophy winner he was during his college career.
The week before, Young had also steered the Panthers back from an 11-point deficit against the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs.
He tied the game with a touchdown and two-point conversion, but ultimately, Patrick Mahomes managed to lead the Chiefs down the field for the decisive field goal.
“His performance was impressive,” stated Panthers coach Dave Canales.
“He made critical throws in essential moments. He effectively avoided some challenges, transitioned the ball well a few times, and even though they threw a lot of blitzes at us, he handled them well and kept our chances alive during those final drives.”
The Panthers have shown they can move the ball effectively, yet they’ve misfired in the red zone lately, managing only three touchdowns from ten opportunities against both Kansas City and Tampa Bay.
To add to their woes, Eddy Pineiro, touted as the league’s most accurate kicker, missed two field goals in the second quarter on Sunday.
On defense, however, the Panthers continue to falter. Entering the match against the Buccaneers, they ranked last in the league for run defense, a fact that Tampa Bay exploited to the fullest.
Bucky Irving recorded a career-high of 152 rushing yards with a touchdown, while Rachaad White added another 76 yards, combining to amass 235 rushing yards, averaging 6.1 yards per carry.
The absence of defensive lineman Derrick Brown and linebacker Shaq Thompson, both sidelined due to season-ending injuries, is sorely felt.
In terms of player performance, Thielen enjoyed his best outing since returning from a hamstring injury, securing eight of ten targets for 99 yards, including the touchdown reception that momentarily put Carolina ahead at 23-20.
Although he seemed to have caught another touchdown earlier in the game, officials ruled it incomplete, stating he was juggling the ball upon landing. Despite video evidence suggesting otherwise, the ruling could not be overturned due to insufficient angles.
On the downside, Hubbard, who has been a standout for Carolina this season, had his fumble in overtime end the Panthers’ chances of making a move in the NFC South.
“It’s all about fundamentals — taking care of the football,” Canales noted, addressing Hubbard directly.
“You made your yardage, but you’ve got to secure the ball as we discussed.” Hubbard recorded 43 yards on 12 carries during the game.
Hubbard’s mishap might potentially open opportunities for rookie Jonathan Brooks, who had six carries for 18 yards and caught three passes for 23 yards, notably including an impressive 18-yard reception where he evaded two defenders.
Furthermore, nickel cornerback Dane Jackson was replaced during the game by Chau Smith-Wade, who performed well, concluding with eight tackles and an interception.
Jackson had struggled in the previous week’s game against Kansas City, failing to secure a critical tackle on Mahomes.
“It’s about opportunity,” Canales remarked. “When players are given the chance to step in and demonstrate their skills and come up with plays, that’s what we want to see.”
Injury updates indicate that backup tight end Stephen Sullivan sustained a significant knee injury on Sunday and is expected to miss the rest of the season.
The coach expressed hope that rookie tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders and wide receiver Jalen Coker would return for Sunday’s matchup against the Eagles.
A notable statistic reveals that Pineiro had made 41 consecutive field goals at home before his two misses in the second quarter on Sunday.
Looking ahead, the Panthers are already guaranteed their seventh consecutive losing season but have not yet been ruled out of the playoff race and will be heading to Philadelphia on Sunday.