CHARLOTTE — There were hints of it in 2024. But last season, the Panthers realized they had a guy they could trust in key situations.
Bryce Young led six game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime last year, giving him 12 in his career.
That’s the most in the league since 2023 when he was drafted, and the second-most for any player under the age of 25 (Justin Herbert has 13).
That kind of late-game clutch play contributed to the general vibe about Young and the offense as a whole, as they showed a certain resilience all year (bouncing back from losses became a specialty).
“It’s something that gives Bryce the ability in the flow of the game. What I’ve noticed about Bryce is he doesn’t get hung up on things that happen; he moves on, and that’s a really special trait to have,” Panthers head coach Dave Canales said. “It’s really important for the big picture, especially when you’re standing in front of the group, that this drive is going to be a touchdown drive, this next play is going to be a big one.
“To have that kind of salesmanship, it’s really important for the quarterback to have that, and I see Bryce just step into the huddle with confidence every single play as if this is the best play that coach has ever called, you know, and, and it’s great to have that support, but it does give the guys a lot of confidence going into it.”