Panthers Impressive in Their Best Game of the Year Against the Falcons
The Panthers played their best of the season today. Today’s win against the Falcons isn’t their most impressive win this season, but this is their best. The offense was firing on all cylinders, and Bryce Young showed off all his talents. In fact, this was Young’s best game as a pro, hands down. There have been some whispers of the Panthers pursuing Kyler Murray in the offseason, but if Young can continue this level of production, then there will be no need.
Tetairoa McMillan also had his best game as a pro. The rookie is playing amazingly, and is everything as advertised from the draft. TMac has some of the best route running in the league, especially for a rookie, to add to his insane catch radius. TMac caps off his performance today with eight receptions, 130 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. He always finds ways to get open, picking holes in the ever-popular zone defense. The Falcons do play more man than league average, particularly with a single high safety. Regardless, TMac is everything this offense needed. He should be in the running for Offensive Rookie of the Year, and if the Panthers continue to roll like this, he might overtake rookie sensation Emeka Egbuka.
Xavier Legette finally showed up. Legette has had some decent games in his two years, but this might be his best body of work in his career. Legette benefited hugely from TMac’s amazing game, which was always the plan. His YAC ability was on full display today, with four receptions for 83 receiving yards and one touchdown. Jalen Coker also got his today, with four receptions for 52 yards and a two-point conversion. The receiving corps showed out today, which has been an enormous problem point for a while.
Rico Dowdle’s campaign continues. Dowdle has been a key piece of this offense since his ascension in Week Five. This week was a low rushing week for Dowdle, with only 45 rushing yards, but he more than made up for it in the passing game. With five receptions for 55 yards, he is third in receiving this game. The former Cowboys’ production in the passing game is great to see, because he is often open on short screen passes or in the flat. I hope to see him continue to show out in the passing game because teams have begun to take him seriously, and he is commanding stacked boxes every game.
Finally, the star of the show, Bryce Young. What a game for Young. He has had a rough start to his career, but this is a statement game from Young in a must-win scenario. His stat line today is crazy: 31 completions for 448 passing yards and three passing touchdowns. He looked great today, against one of the best defenses in the league. This win is exactly what Young and the team need as they push towards a playoff run.
