Bryce Young’s Hot Start Draws Peyton Manning Comparison From Stewart

Bryce Young is playing like a different player than the one we saw two years ago, and the numbers prove it. He leads the entire NFL with nine passing touchdowns against just two interceptions through four games. This hot start has fans chanting “MVP” after Sunday night’s win over Detroit, and for once, the noise feels earned. The 25-year-old quarterback has 1,268 passing yards and a 100.0 passer rating, which is a massive jump from his rookie campaign.

Stewart Sees Manning Vibes

Panthers great Jonathan Stewart believes Young has found a groove that reminds him of a legend. Stewart told Heavy.com that the young signal-caller’s poise in the pocket is rare to see. “There’s really no comparison in my opinion, man. He’s one of one.” Stewart said when asked about the similarities. He noted that while Young is shorter than the five-time MVP, the way he handles pressure is eerily similar. Stewart pointed out that Manning was 6-foot-5, while Young stands at just 5-foot-10, yet both command the huddle with the same calm authority.

Stewart didn’t stop at the Manning comparison. He also drew a line to his college teammate Dennis Dixon, citing Young’s smooth movement and finesse inside the pocket. “It’s smooth, just very smooth.” Stewart added that he believes Bryce represents a distinct kind of quarterback. That craftiness allows Young to escape pressure without losing his composure, a trait that separates good quarterbacks from great ones.

The Numbers Back the Hype

The stats are not just good; they are elite for a team sitting at 2-2. Young has thrown for 329 yards and two touchdowns against the Lions alone in Week 4. Before that, he tossed three scores against Atlanta and three more against Chicago in the opener. He is also finding success under pressure, with 411 passing yards and four touchdowns when the pocket collapses. Tetairoa McMillan has been a huge help, catching 14 balls for 192 yards against Detroit. The receiver is on pace to shatter last year’s marks, giving Young a reliable target downfield.

Young is under contract for $12.1 million this season, with a fifth-year option worth $25.9 million already guaranteed. The Panthers picked up that option in the offseason, signaling confidence even before this recent surge. He led the team to the playoffs last year, a feat many thought impossible after he was benched for Andy Dalton in 2024. That turnaround from a “bust” label to a top-tier performer is the real story here.

Can He Sustain the Magic?

Despite the praise, the team still faces a hard truth about the MVP race. A player usually needs a winning record to win the award, and Carolina is only 2-2. Kalshi currently gives Young just a 2% chance to win MVP, according to Yahoo Sports. That number might seem low, but it reflects the reality that the season is young and the road ahead is tough. Young himself is taking the noise in stride. “I’m grateful for the engagement,” Young said in an interview with Pat McAfee. “Sports are so big because people care like that.”

The Panthers are on their bye week now, giving them time to rest before facing the Philadelphia Eagles on October 18. If Young can carry this form into that game and help the team climb the standings, the 2% odds will look foolish.