Since '24 defeat at Eagles, Panthers QB Bryce Young continues developing

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Escaping pressure from the end zone while attempting to rally the Carolina Panthers, quarterback Bryce Young weaved his way through a host of Philadelphia Eagles defenders, spotting rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette downfield for a 31-yard completion.

Attempting to prove himself after being benched nearly two months earlier, Young appeared on the verge of pulling off a signature NFL win. The sophomore starter directed the Panthers to within striking distance with 37 seconds remaining at Lincoln Financial Field.

But his fourth-down pass to Adam Thielen was broken up by cornerback Darius Slay, sealing the Panthers’ 22-16 defeat on Dec. 8, 2024.

At the time, the franchises’ fortunes were radically different. While the Eagles’ ninth straight win fueled a Super Bowl title run, the Week 14 matchup stacked another loss during an oft-frustrating rebuilding stage for the Panthers. They dropped 25 of their opening 30 games since drafting Young No. 1 overall.

Young outdueled Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, but came up short.

Despite the early-career setback, Panthers coach Dave Canales expects the experience could help Young on Sunday during his second professional venture to his native Pennsylvania.

“Knowing what it feels like to go into Philly …. and playing really well in that game … is special,” Canales said after Friday’s practice. “We were so close to getting down there and really pushing the game.”

During the near-comeback in Philadelphia two seasons ago, Young displayed the potential he has shown during his first four starts this season. Coming out of a bye week, he leads the league with a 317 passing yards per game average.

Over the past two seasons, the fortunes of the franchises’ quarterbacks have altered.

Young is experiencing early MVP buzz. Hurts (blood clot), meanwhile, will be sidelined Sunday, creating an opportunity for backup Tanner McKee.

Returning to Philadelphia on Sunday, Young will face a defense that ranked No. 26 in average passing yards allowed (238.8). He’s also slated to be reinforced with wide receiver Jalen Coker coming back from a quad injury.

Canales pointed to Young’s ability to utilize his resources. Four different players, 2025 NFL rookie of the year Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, Chuba Hubbard and Darren Waller, each registered two receiving touchdowns in a game this season, a league high. Coker (ankle) missed the Panthers’ previous game, but is expected to dress Sunday.

“That’s the hope, you know, for Bryce to continue to find the opportunities for guys,” Canales said. “While we try to feature T-Mac, we try to feature different guys. All of the other routes have to come alive for us.

“It’s good to get Coker back out there this week and that’ll be another good element for us there.”

No Hurts. No three-time Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley. A team coming off consecutive crushing defeats. That partially details the Panthers’ opponent.

For a defense that enters Week 6 allowing 156.5 rushing yards per game, the league’s No. 31-ranked rushing unit could be catching the Eagles (2-3) during an ideal segment of their schedule.

Canales said Friday that part of his coaching challenge on Sunday will be to prevent the NFC South-leading Panthers (2-2) from experiencing a letdown.

“Yeah, we can’t make it about the Eagles,” Canales said. “We know what they’re doing schematically. We’re assuming they’re not going to show up and just have a completely different gameplan. I wouldn’t do that. I put myself in Nick Sirianni’s seat. We’ve been here before where we’ve had injuries; we’ve had different things happen to us.

“We’re counting on the Eagles being who they are.”

Are the Panthers catching the Eagles at the right time?

Has Young grown enough to capture the opportunity?