Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has improved in his third season.
The Carolina Panthers have made a ton of progress this season as they are 7-6 and right behind the 7-6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers for first place in the NFC South.
A major reason for Carolina's improvement has been the development of quarterback Bryce Young. Young struggled in his first two seasons in the NFL, but has played at a higher level in his third campaign.
The former first overall pick is near the top of the league in quarterback accuracy and efficiency on deep passes (throws of 20 or more air yards).
Part of Young's development, particularly his improvement on deep throws, is the weapons he has on offense.
The Panthers selected wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan with the eighth overall pick in the draft. McMillan is having an incredible rookie season, as he's hauled in 57 receptions for 826 yards and six touchdowns.
Wide receivers Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker have also shown some flashes this season, which has made the Panthers' receiver room more well-rounded.
Young's numbers reflect his improvement, as he's completed 63.4 percent of his passes for 2,337 yards, 18 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He has also rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown.
Carolina will rely on Young and the offense in these final four games. The Panthers will take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 15, the Buccaneers in Week 16, the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17, and the Buccaneers again in Week 18.
This is a tough schedule, and the NFC South winner will likely come down to who wins the head-to-head matchups between Carolina and Tampa Bay.
If the Panthers are able to win the division, they will make it to the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 season.
Carolina's best and possibly only path to the playoffs is to win the division, as it's unlikely they could make it through the Wild Card.
While the matchups against Tampa Bay loom large, they need to pick up a win over the Saints for it to matter. New Orleans upset Carolina 17-7 in their first game against each other this season, making it a potential trap game for the Panthers.