Panthers' Bryce Young Drops Multiple Spots in NFL QB Rankings

Carolina Panthers star Bryce Young dropped eight spots in the latest QB rankings from NFL.com. 

Young went from No. 17 to No. 15. 

Young had a brutal day against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week, his first bad performance of the season. The Alabama product went 14-of-27 through the air for 163 passing yards. He threw one touchdown and two interceptions and was sacked five times.  

Young turned the ball over three times -- including two interceptions -- and was pulled for backup Kenny Pickett in the fourth quarter with the game out of hand. The defense gave up 258 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns, while Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield threw the ball only 11 times for seven completions, 64 yards and a touchdown.

Special teams made several gaffes, including a muffed punt and a blocked extra point that was returned to the opposing end zone for a two-point score for Tampa Bay.  

The Buccaneers scored 22 points off miscues -- 19 in the first half alone -- which helped Tampa Bay lean on its running game to close out the lopsided NFC South battle.

The Panthers don't have much time to dwell on the blowout home loss, as they'll travel to Green Bay to face the Packers on Thursday Night Football in Week 8. Carolina remains at the top of the division at 3-3, but the loss to Tampa Bay makes the Panthers 1-1 against the NFC South this season.

"We don't have the luxury to lick our wounds here," Young said. "We play Thursday. You've got to turn the page. We don't have a choice. So, obviously, learn from it, watch the film, grow, and then we've got to move right on to Green Bay."

Young entered the Panthers-Buccaneers game with 1,549 passing yards and 11 passing touchdowns. He was playing like a superstar. 

After his poor performance against Tampa Bay, questions will not emerge as to whether the Panthers should sign Young to an extension next offseason. 

Young is making $12.1 million this season in the fourth year of his rookie deal. His fifth-year option is worth a guaranteed $25.9 million. Carolina picked it up in the offseason.

The Panthers didn't sign Young to an extension, so he has to play well again this season to earn one next offseason.

Young led the Panthers to the playoffs last season, where Carolina lost to the Los Angeles Rams in a wild-card game at home. It's been impressive to watch Young's turnaround in Carolina. Remember, Young was benched for Andy Dalton in 2024. When that happened, many people thought Young's days in Carolina were over. 

It's only one game, so we can't be too hard on Young, who has 1,712 passing yards, 12 passing touchdowns and four interceptions this season. However, if the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft plays badly again against the Packers, there will be a lot of noise in Carolina about how Young is not a franchise QB.