Sometimes when Carolina Panthers players talk about Bryce Young’s performances late in games, they do so with a sense of familiarity. On Sunday, Young led his 11th career game-winning drive in the Panthers’ 31-28 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Since entering the NFL in 2023, he has recorded more game-winning drives than any other quarterback.
This most recent comeback marked his fifth game-winning drive of the current season. The Panthers improved their record to 7-6 and remain within reach of a playoff spot, trailing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by half a game with two direct matchups remaining.
Young’s decisive play came on a fourth-and-2 situation late in the rain-soaked game, when he threw a 43-yard touchdown pass to Tetairoa McMillan for the win.
“I would have been thrilled with a first down,” said Panthers head coach Dave Canales. “That, however, would have lacked a certain drama, and Young continues to show that he’s capable of meeting the moment in these kinds of situations.”
Teammates such as center Austin emphasized Young’s calm approach: “Well, you don’t just become the Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall pick for no reason. There’s a deep, unbelievable talent in him and his ability. And you’ll never suspect it because he’s so calm and just that true SoCal kid… But just his fight, his ability just to lock in and just, just to be a dog is incredible.”
When asked about leading another comeback win after last week’s loss against San Francisco, Young responded: “I just trust my guys; there’s no big conversation, no big hoo-rah… I know this guy’s always ready.”
Coach Canales noted that Young approached this week as he does every other: “No, I see the same type of intentionality. We had great conversations early in the week… he’s executed it, and he continues to lead out there.”
At age 24 years and 164 days old, Young surpassed Josh Allen as the youngest quarterback in NFL history with 11 game-winning drives. His passer rating on Sunday (147.1) was second only to Cam Newton’s franchise-best performance from 2015.
Young now has a career-high 18 touchdown passes this season—the highest by any Panthers quarterback since Cam Newton threw for 24 touchdowns in 2018.
Coach Canales highlighted Young’s steady leadership: “It’s the consistency of play and the thing that I appreciate the most about Bryce is regardless of the moment… when I put the ball in his hands, he stays the same.”
Receiver Tetairoa McMillan credited Young’s presence during critical moments: “His demeanor, his aura when it comes to late drives, is contagious… He’s done it…11 times…the fact that your leader on offense can do that…speaks volumes for sure.”
