A yr hasn’t handed since Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young was being known as the dreaded “B” phrase: bust.
The previous No. 1 general choose within the 2023 NFL Draft had a forgettable rookie season. He threw nearly as many interceptions (10) as touchdowns (11) and had a 73.7 passer ranking (the bottom amongst any quarterback who performed greater than 10 video games) because the Panthers went 2-14 with him because the starter. The choice to draft the 5-foot-10 Younger No. 1 general drew much more criticism when the No. 2 general choose that yr, C.J. Stroud of the Texans, had among the best rookie seasons by a quarterback in NFL historical past.
Younger discovered a brand new backside to start the 2024 season. Over the primary two video games, he accomplished 31-of-56 passes for 245 yards and 0 touchdowns whereas throwing three interceptions. Carolina misplaced these video games by a mixed rating of 73-13, and media retailers known as Younger’s efficiency “lifeless, “disastrous” and “poor” amongst different less-than-flattering adjectives. Head coach Dave Canales, who was in his first season as Panthers coach, benched Younger in favor of Andy Dalton, and the 36-year-old journeyman quarterback instantly responded by finishing 26-of-37 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns in a 36-22 highway victory over the Raiders.
SportsLine professional Alex Selesnick, who has gone 524-418 on his NFL picks getting into 2025, has made Younger Over 3,150 passing yards as his No. 1 quarterback player prop pick for the upcoming campaign. What modified?
Along with his NFL inventory seemingly on life assist final season, Younger revived his profession. Starting in Week 8, when he was compelled into the beginning lineup after Dalton sprained his proper thumb in an auto accident, Younger accomplished 61.8% of his passes for 15 touchdowns and 6 interceptions, averaging 210.4 passing yards per recreation. He added one other 5 touchdowns on the bottom.
His final three video games had been his greatest. He accomplished 64.8% of his passes for 612 yards and 7 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. He additionally had three dashing scores. He finally began the staff’s ultimate 10 video games, directing the staff to a 4-6 file.
Within the offseason, the entrance workplace prioritized getting pass-catching assist for Younger. Carolina used the No. 8 general choose within the draft to pick out big-bodied receiver Tetairoa McMillan out of Arizona. The Panthers then added speedy receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. out of Colorado within the sixth spherical.
Primarily based on the way in which that Younger ended final season and the additions Carolina made within the offseason, Selesnick likes Younger to go Over 3,150 passing yards.
“It appeared like one thing clicked for Younger and the Panthers offense over the ultimate three video games of the 2024 season,” Selesnick says. “Heading into the second yr of Dave Canales’ offense, I cherished that Carolina prioritized getting Younger assist in the offseason. This line is criminally low. I would play it as much as 3,250.”