The Carolina Panthers surprised the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13 and delivered a major upset.
Two factors drove the Panthers to dominate Matthew Stafford and a Rams team that ranked No. 1 in nearly every power ranking: their defense and Bryce Young’s clutchness. Many fans thought this Panthers project was aiming for the future, but with some pretty decent play from Bryce Young, the Panthers are really close to the Buccaneers for that NFC South title.
Since entering the league in 2023 as a first overall pick, Bryce Young has been expected to guide the Panthers to the promised land, but the team has endured its share of ups and downs. In the 2025-26 season it feels like Dave Canales and Bryce Young are starting to find their way.
More NFL Content From TWSN
J.J. McCarthy is a Historically Horrific Quarterback
Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Debut Showed He Is The Browns’ Franchise Quarterback
Last 10 Chicago Bears First Round Draft Picks & Grades
Bryce Young’s DevelopmentÂ
After a shaky 2023 season, where Young showed he was a work in progress, we have seen him start to turn things around, and lead the Panthers. In his rookie season, Bryce Young threw for 11 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and had six fumbles, showing he had a major problem protecting the ball.
Bryce Young has improved, and has reduced his turnovers this season leading to him having has 18 touchdowns, nine interceptions, and four fumbles. Despite not being the expected superstar, Young has big victories this year, the latest being against the Los Angeles Rams, which are one of Super Bowl favorites.
At just 24 years old, Bryce Young has a great future in front, and it’s pretty nice to see the Carolina Panthers competing once again. The Panthers have their bye in Week 14 and then four crucial matchups to close out the season, including two against Baker Mayfield and the Bucs.
Decision Time for the PanthersÂ
Consistency has been the issue for Bryce Young, in Week 12 we saw him throw interceptions like crazy against the 49ers and then in Week 13 we saw his best version with a legacy game against the Rams. If the Panthers roll with Young as their franchise and sign the fifth-year option, they will need to surround him with talent on both sides of the ball.
The acquisitions of rookie Tetairoa McMillan and Rico Dowdle have resulted in a more balanced team. I believe we’ve seen enough talent to sign the former Heisman Trophy winner to that fifth-year and continue developing him with the whole team.