CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Bryce Young has notably enhanced his improvisation skills and has adeptly utilized his mobility in his second year as a quarterback.
On Sunday, he demonstrated this growth by rushing five times for a career-best 68 yards, which included a remarkable 23-yard touchdown run during Carolina’s thrilling 36-30 overtime victory against Arizona, consequently eliminating the Cardinals from playoff contention. This marked Young’s fourth rushing touchdown of the season, a significant improvement as he did not score any rushing touchdowns during his rookie year.
Despite his rushing statistics being comparable to those from 2023, it is evident that Young is making more judicious decisions and escaping the pocket more effectively as the pressure mounts.
“I’m trying to take what the defense gives me,” Young explained. “As a passer, I always strive to remain a passer for as long as possible. We often discuss extending plays beyond 2.7 seconds and adapting as needed. I feel increasingly comfortable within the system and with my teammates. My focus is on being efficient and advancing the chains to help the team succeed.”
Young’s performance against the Cardinals was impressive, as he completed 17 of 26 passes for 158 yards along with two touchdowns and no interceptions. This came just a week after a difficult outing where he committed four turnovers against the Dallas Cowboys.
Carolina achieved touchdowns on its initial three possessions, a feat that had not occurred for six years.
Panthers head coach Dave Canales commented on Young’s decisiveness during the game.
“He played fast and was very decisive,” Canales remarked. “He executed some important scrambles during the first half, converting critical third downs and even scoring a touchdown. His ability to understand his concepts and make smart decisions about when to scramble when openings appeared was crucial.”
In terms of offensive performance, Carolina’s offensive line excelled in run-blocking, helping the Panthers amass 243 rushing yards, with Chuba Hubbard leading the charge with 152 yards and two touchdowns.
Hubbard has now totaled 1,195 rushing yards this season, which places him fourth on the team’s all-time single-season rushing list, following in the footsteps of prominent players like DeAngelo Williams and Christian McCaffrey.
However, Carolina’s defensive struggles, particularly against the run, continue to raise concerns.
The Panthers allowed James Conner to rush for 117 yards and a touchdown, contributing to Arizona’s total of 206 rushing yards for the game. Carolina’s defense has averaged nearly 200 rushing yards allowed over the last seven weeks under defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. The team has faced injuries, with the losses of key players like Derrick Brown and Shaq Thompson significantly impacting performance, prompting management to prioritize strengthening the defensive front in the offseason.
Chuba Hubbard’s redemption story unfolded during this game, as he scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime, effectively sidelining the Cardinals from playoff hopes.
Just weeks earlier, he had fumbled in a critical moment against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which cost the Panthers the victory. Determined to redeem himself, Hubbard played a vital role in the winning drive, accumulating all 49 yards necessary for the score and finishing the game with 152 yards, just shy of his personal best.
On the downside, the Panthers faced challenges with executing plays promptly in the huddle.
During a crucial third-and-goal situation at the Arizona 3-yard line, they incurred a delay-of-game penalty after excessive deliberation over a previous incomplete touchdown attempt. Despite the setback, the Panthers were fortunate to receive a roughing-the-passer penalty from the Cardinals, which allowed them to continue their drive and ultimately score.
Fortunately, Sunday’s game resulted in minimal injuries for the Panthers.
While illness had affected the team prior to the game, it caused center Cade Mays to miss the match, yet Brady Christensen stepped up effectively in his absence.
In a notable first this season, the NFL imposed a penalty for a hip-drop tackle, penalizing Panthers rookie linebacker Jacoby Windmon during the second quarter.
Though Conner was not injured on the play, he later exited the game in the third quarter due to a knee issue.
As the season winds down, the Panthers are set to finish their last two games on the road against Tampa Bay and Atlanta, which will have implications for the NFC South standings.
