Bryce Young is starting to demonstrate his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments. However, the Carolina Panthers (3-9) still need to figure out how to secure victories in tight games as a team.
Young led a 60-yard drive, finishing with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Adam Thielen to give the Panthers a brief 23-20 lead with 30 seconds remaining against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In overtime, the second-year quarterback was orchestrating another potential game-winning drive when Chuba Hubbard fumbled at the Bucs’ 29-yard line, setting up Tampa Bay’s 26-23 victory.
For the second consecutive week, last year’s No. 1 draft pick, often criticized, has displayed a flair for clutch performances, earning him the nickname “Alabama Bryce” as he starts to resemble the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback he was in college.
The week prior, Young orchestrated a comeback against the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, rallying the Panthers from an 11-point deficit. He tied the game with 1:35 remaining in regulation after a touchdown drive and a successful two-point conversion. However, Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs downfield for a game-winning field goal.
“I thought he played great,” Panthers coach Dave Canales said of Young. “He made some crucial throws in key moments, got us out of tough situations, and threw the ball away when necessary. It was an aggressive day with a lot of blitzing, but he handled it well and gave us a real chance to win on those final drives.”
The Panthers have shown flashes of offensive potential but have struggled in the red zone over the past two games, converting just 3 of 10 opportunities against the Chiefs and Buccaneers. Sunday’s effort was further hindered by kicker Eddy Pineiro, the league’s all-time leader in field goal accuracy, missing two second-quarter attempts.
Carolina’s league-worst run defense was exploited by Tampa Bay, which racked up 235 rushing yards while averaging 6.1 yards per carry. Bucky Irving ran for a career-high 152 yards and a touchdown, while Rachaad White added 76 yards. The absence of defensive stalwarts Derrick Brown and Shaq Thompson, both sidelined with season-ending injuries, continues to be a glaring issue.
Adam Thielen had his best performance since returning from a hamstring injury, catching eight passes for 99 yards and a touchdown that temporarily gave the Panthers a 23-20 lead with 30 seconds left. Earlier in the game, Thielen appeared to score another touchdown, but officials ruled he failed to secure the ball inbounds—a controversial call upheld due to insufficient replay evidence.
Chuba Hubbard, a bright spot for Carolina all season, fumbled in overtime, derailing the Panthers’ chances of a crucial win. “Fundamentals. Just take care of the ball,” said head coach Dave Canales. Hubbard was limited to 43 yards on 12 carries, and the misstep might open opportunities for rookie Jonathan Brooks. The Texas product had six carries for 18 yards and added 23 yards on three receptions, including an impressive 18-yard catch-and-run.
On defense, Chau Smith-Wade replaced Dane Jackson at nickel corner and made an impact with eight tackles and an interception. Jackson had struggled the previous week, missing a key tackle on Patrick Mahomes during a game-deciding drive. “It’s about opportunity,” Canales said. “When guys step up and make plays, it’s great.”
Injuries continue to pile up, with backup tight end Stephen Sullivan sustaining a significant knee injury, likely ending his season. However, the team hopes to have rookie tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders and wide receiver Jalen Coker back for their upcoming game against the Eagles.
Notable Stats:
- Pineiro’s streak of 41 consecutive made field goals at home ended with two misses on Sunday.
- The Panthers, despite their seventh straight losing season, remain in playoff contention.
Carolina will look to rebound as they head to Philadelphia on Sunday.
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