Panthers Set to Challenge Seahawks with Bryce Young at the Helm
On the surface, a matchup between the Carolina Panthers and the Seattle Seahawks appears lopsided. The Seahawks, perched atop the NFC West, boast the conference’s top seed and have only lost three times this season—by a mere nine points to teams with a combined record of 29-16. With their current form, having secured victories in five consecutive games and nine out of their last ten, they enter this Sunday’s game as 7-point favorites to notch their 13th win.
An Unexpected Upset Prediction
However, amid this backdrop of dominance, Garrett Podell of CBS Sports has thrown a curveball, predicting that the Panthers, under the guidance of rookie quarterback Bryce Young, will pull off an upset against Seattle. In his Week 17 Bold Predictions column, Podell articulates his belief in the Panthers’ potential, highlighting Young’s recent resurgence.
“After two years of looking like a potential bust, Carolina’s 2023 first overall pick, quarterback Bryce Young, is figuring it out,” Podell noted. Over the last five games, Young has thrown 10 touchdowns with only two interceptions. He has recorded career highs in critical metrics, including a completion percentage of 63.5, an average of 192.2 passing yards per game, 21 passing touchdowns, and a passer rating of 89.5.
Bryce Young’s Progress and Its Context
Young’s recent performance is indeed impressive, showcasing the best football of his young career. However, while his improvement is noteworthy, it’s essential to consider the larger context. During the same five-game stretch that Podell references, the Panthers have managed a 3-2 record, with two of those victories narrowly secured by just three points each against struggling teams like the Falcons and the Buccaneers.
Despite the statistical milestones Young has achieved, they still place him near the bottom of the league rankings in many categories. This raises questions about whether his individual success can translate into a collective win against a formidable opponent like the Seahawks.
In an unpredictable league where surprises are always on the table, the Panthers will certainly look to make a statement this Sunday. It remains to be seen whether Bryce Young can lead them to a shocking victory over a playoff-bound Seahawks team.
