The Carolina Panthers came into Sunday’s game knowing how critical it was to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If they lost, they would be on the brink of losing the division and would be a long shot to make the playoffs; if they won, they would be in the driver’s seat and on the verge of winning their first division title since 2015.
In a back-and-forth game, the Panthers managed to pull off the victory in a 23-20 win. The game was sealed with a fourth-quarter interception of Baker Mayfield by safety Lathan Ransom. However, a seven-play 43-yard drive led by quarterback Bryce Young on the previous drive led to the eventual game-winning field goal. The highlight on the drive was a 34-yard pass to Jalen Coker.
Young continued building his reputation as a clutch fourth-quarter player; the only question that remains after the game is his health.
Canales Says Young is Fine
Bryce Young has shown his toughness throughout the season. Continuously playing through nicks and nagging injuries. Sunday was no different from Young.
Early in the game, Young got his foot stepped on by Panthers offensive lineman Austin Corbett, and it appeared to leave Young a bit hobbled, but he played through the injury. Panthers head coach Dave Canales commented on the potential injury to Young in his post-game press conference.
“He was able to work through it, but you know, he got stepped on pretty cleanly,” Canales said. “I think Corbs kind of just stepped back on the action. That’s a couple of times it’s happened now, so we’ll have a conversation about it. Could be the splits, could be Bryce coming away from center. So, we’ll look at that and make sure we’re able to tie it up, but he was able to run around and make plays, so he was fine.”
Young exemplified that his ankle was feeling alright on his scramble, leading to a six-yard touchdown pass to tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders in the third quarter. Young also downplayed his injury when asked about it post-game.
Everyone Is Going Through Something
Bryce Young appeared to be dinged up when he got stepped on by his lineman, Austin Corbett, early in the game, but if the injury derailed the Panthers quarterback, he didn’t show it. Young finished the game, completing 21 of 32 passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns. Young also showed his mobility was fine, adding 20 yards rushing on four carries.
During his post-game press conference, Young reiterated that he was fine and at this point in the season, every player is playing through some injury.
“Hey, we’re all playing through something at this time of the year,” Young said. “It’s football, you know everyone’s going through something, so any chance I have to be out there with the guys, I’m gonna take it.”
All the pain was worth it for Young, as now the Panthers stand one win away from clinching the NFC South for the first time in a decade and making the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
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