The Carolina Panthers were forced to battle through everything: injuries, fourth-quarter pressure, and the push for a win. In their 30-27 overtime victory over the Atlanta Falcons, they delivered what may be their most impressive performance of the season.
Quarterback Bryce Young turned in the best statistical outing of his career, completing 31 of 45 passes for 448 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. His quarterback rating reached 123.2.
This was more than just a standout game. Young delivered the greatest passing performance in franchise history, surpassing Cam Newton’s 432-yard effort against the Green Bay Packers during Newton’s rookie season in 2011. It was the signature game Young had been seeking since arriving in Carolina.
Young After More Than Records
Bryce Young just put together one of the top individual showings any Panthers player has ever had. Still, the achievement he valued most was getting the win.
In his November 17 piece for Panthers.com, Darin Gantt noted how grateful Young felt to break a record previously held by a player of Newton’s stature.
“Definitely an honor,” Young said. “I have so much respect for Cam, for all that he has accomplished, for the player he is, all the stuff. I have so much respect for him, so hearing that is definitely an honor.”
But Young made it clear that his attention remains on what lies ahead for the team.
“You didn’t want me to say it first, but I’m still going to repeat it, individual awards, that’s not what I’m after,” Young said with a grin. “It doesn’t mean anything. I’m grateful that we won; we had the most important stat today, and it was a win. That’s all that matters.”
Young may shy away from having the spotlight on him, but his ninth fourth-quarter comeback showed fans and teammates alike what he is capable of.
Young’s Toughness
Although Young briefly left the game due to injury, his return showed physical toughness. What stood out even more was the mental resolve he displayed while guiding Carolina to the finish.
Panthers head coach Dave Canales praised Young’s mindset and his willingness to do “whatever it takes” during his Monday press conference. Darin Gantt and Kassidy Hill of Panthers.com highlighted Canales’ comments.
“Just the resilience, an opportunity to show his teammates that he wants to be out there with those guys to win that game with them,” Canales said. “And I think if Bryce was up here, he’d tell you first and foremost, whatever it takes to win and just try to find a way to contribute, try to find a way to affect the game, and he certainly was able to do that, getting himself back out there and battling through some stuff to be available for us and coming up with some big plays when we needed it.”
Carolina is hoping Young’s comeback effort becomes a turning point for the remainder of the season. With two games still to play against the first-place Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Panthers’ chances in the division and the playoff race remain very much alive.