Bryce Young is not used to losing—or at least he wasn’t before becoming the starting quarterback of the Carolina Panthers. So, Sunday’s win—although sweet—still didn’t feel that rare.
The 2023 No. 1 overall pick spoke with reporters following Sunday’s thrilling 15-13 victory over the visiting Houston Texans. He was asked for his reaction to notching the first win of his NFL career.
But, as usual, the 22-year-old is focused on the bigger picture.
“It’s definitely an exciting feeling,” Young replied. “As we know, wins aren’t easy to come by in this league. It’s great to get on the board, it’s great to get one in. Right now, obviously, we’re fresh. Everyone’s enjoying it and we’re super, super happy about it. There’s a lot of excitement.
“But at the same time, right now—it’s a time for us to enjoy it and have fun. But tomorrow, we come back and watch the film. And there’s a lot of stuff that we still can get better at, still can improve at. And we don’t wanna be the team that got a win Week 8. We have to keep building off this.”
Young might like what he sees on that tape tomorrow. Despite another largely underwhelming outing from his pass catchers and offensive line, which allowed six sacks, the rookie remained cool, calm and collected.
He completed 22 of his 31 throws for 235 yards and touchdown while committing zero turnovers. His most impressive work may have come on the final touch of the game, where he orchestrated a 15-play, 86 yard drive to set up the walk-off field goal by kicker Eddy Piñeiro.
Young talked about that clutch possession.
“It’s just excitement for that opportunity,” he stated. “You love opportunities like that. You go in, you have a chance to win the game on your own terms and to try and go out and take the game. We’re down one, what else would you hope for? That’s why we play the game.”
Well, it’s apparent Young and the Panthers will keep looking forward to those opportunities and playing the game.
“It felt like one win,” he later replied when asked about the triumph. “It’s great. Obviously, we didn’t have the start we wanted. But again, we also understand it’s just one win. Week 8. One win.”
