Panthers at Patriots highlighted by pair of young quarterbacks who still have more questions than answers surrounding NFL future
An important game for both.
The New England Patriots hosting the Carolina Panthers won’t exactly be a game on the national marquee. But for two teams who are 1-2, this one will have a big impact on the outlook of their 2025 season.
But that’s in the micro. In the macro, we have two quarterbacks in year two and three respectively, who are in the process of proving they are franchise guys. For Drake Maye, it has been a lot of flashes, but a lot of brain burps.
For Bryce Young, his 2025 season hasn’t started the way his 2024 season ended. That’s not a good sign. At some point, the light has to come on, and the consistency for the former Heisman Trophy winner of the Alabama Crimson Tide has to stick.
Heading into what is essentially the quarter mark of the season, now is the time for these two to make a mark on their future.
Drake Maye vs. Bryce Young could go a long way in their NFL future
If you watched last week’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, you saw a quarterback in New England who has top-five potential in this league. Maye led the Pats in rushing, made some tight-window throws, and carved up the middle of Pittsburgh’s defense alongside Hunter Henry.
But he also took five sacks, had a fumble and an interception and should have had two more, both of which were dropped before he finally was picked off. He makes a lot of splash plays, but he also makes plays that have you shaking your head…In a bad way.
With Bryce Young, it’s largely been the opposite. Young is averaging just over 200 yards passing per game, has a 4-3 TD-INT ratio, and hasn’t produced many big plays, evidenced by his 5.2 yards gained per passing attempt and a season-long of 40 yards.
The good news is, in what limited deep shots he’s taken, he’s been very accurate.
Both of these young signal callers are dealing with subpar teams. But a franchise quarterback is the rising tide that lifts all boats. And with both quarterbacks playing teams coming off staunch defensive performances, this game could tip the scales in terms of their NFL future going forward.
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