Rapid reaction: Bryce Young dooms Panthers in 27-13 loss to Indianapolis Colts
In an intriguing Week 9 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts, Bryce Young managed to dissipate any excitement before halftime and then again in the fourth quarter. In the 27-13 loss, the Panthers drew close a few times, but it was ultimately the rookie quarterback, lack of total offensive production, and overall uninspiring effort that doomed […]
In an intriguing Week 9 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts, Bryce Young managed to dissipate any excitement before halftime and then again in the fourth quarter.
In the 27-13 loss, the Panthers drew close a few times, but it was ultimately the rookie quarterback, lack of total offensive production, and overall uninspiring effort that doomed this rag-tag bunch to a 1-7 record at the midpoint of the season.
Let's dive into some key moments from Sunday's bout with the Colts.
Bryce Young's interception bug returns
The rookie had gone a few weeks without completely terrible quarterback play. He was bound to come back to earth. And man, did Young hit the ground hard.
Against the Colts, Young threw two timely interceptions that were returned for touchdowns, effectively dooming the Panthers' chances at pulling off another come-from-behind win.
He threw in a third interception late in the fourth quarter for fun.
Young's first pick-6 came a few moments before halftime. He telegraphed a pass to Miles Sanders. It was picked off by Kenny Moore II, who returned it 49 yards to the house.
Then, Young's second pick-6 came after he led an impressive 15-play, 77-yard drive to pull the Panthers within 10.
As the Panthers attempted to make it a one-score game, Young threw another screen pass to Sanders. Again, Moore caught the ball instead of Sanders. He returned it 76 yards for another touchdown.
Young's final interception came with less than five minutes remaining in the game. It was another pass that had no zip on it. The only consolation was that it wasn't returned for a touchdown.
Young finished the game with 173 passing yards on 24 completions. He also had a 48.3 QBR. He was awful. With rookies, there are growing pains. But with Young, the pain has been immeasurable, and the growth sparse.
Brian Burns, hurt?
In the fourth quarter, Brian Burns, the Pro Bowl outside linebacker, got hurt. It was a moment of real scare. Burns has often been the team's bright spot on what is a dim season.
He walked off on his own power and ventured to the tent. He was ruled out the rest of the game with a concussion. His status will be one to watch throughout the week.
What happened to Adam Thielen
The Panthers' veteran wide receiver came into the week as one of the elite pass-catchers in the league.
And then Young didn't throw him the ball for nearly an entire half of football. Young didn't throw him the ball until four minutes were left in the first half.
Lack of chemistry or lack of targets, either way, the Panthers didn't work in one of the team's best offensive weapons. He finished with five receptions for 29 yards.
Looking ahead
In Week 10, the Panthers are taking on the Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football. The quick week will make life difficult for Carolina. But at this point in the season, what exactly has come easy?
