Panthers' Bryce Young Rises 12 Spots in NFL QB Rankings After Stellar Week 4 Outing

Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers went up 12 spots in NFL.com's QB rankings after his stellar Week 4 performance against the Detroit Lions. 

Young went from No. 21 to No. 9. 

"After a rough Week 3, Bryce Young returned to form in Week 4, dicing up Detroit’s defense by focusing heavily on throws in the middle third of the field and feasting, even without Jalen Coker," NFL.com wrote. "He leads the NFL in passing yards through four weeks and deserves your weekly attention."

Young is putting up excellent numbers for the 2-2 Panthers. The Alabama product has 1,268 passing yards, nine passing touchdowns, two interceptions, 19 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown through four games. 

According to Next Gen Stats, Young has 411 pass yards under pressure, four passing touchdowns under pressure, 321 deep passing yards, seven passing touchdowns outside the numbers, 534 passing yards outside the numbers, 928 passing yards vs. zone coverage and 340 passing yards vs. man coverage.

The Panthers lost to the Chicago Bears in Week 1, defeated the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2, lost to the Cleveland Browns in Week 3 and beat the Lions on Sunday Night Football in Week 4. 

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, and so far, he's setting himself up for a substantial payday. 

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. 

The Panthers are on their bye week. They can rest and recover. We won't see Young again until October 18, when he plays the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Carolina won the NFC South last season. Young and Co. are currently tied with the Falcons for first place in the division. 

One reason Young is putting up celestial numbers is Tetairoa McMillan. The 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year has 26 catches for 385 yards and two touchdowns in four games. 

Against the Lions, McMillan had 14 catches for 192 yards and two touchdowns. 

Thanks to his Week 4 performance, McMillan is on pace to shatter last season's 70-catch, 1,014-yard mark. 

With Young and McMillan leading the way, the Panthers are averaging 30.3 points per game. That's 4th of 32 in the NFL.