Carolina Panthers' Bryce Young Shines in Week 15 Victory Over Atlanta Falcons
ICARO Media Group
In a monumental Week 15 win over the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young stole the spotlight with an impressive performance that earned him the highest Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of his rookie season. Young's stellar showing marked a turning point for both himself and the Panthers' offense.
With a PFF grade of 78.0, Young outshone his teammates, securing his spot as the highest-graded player on the Panthers' offense for the first time this season. The young quarterback completed 18 of his 24 throws for a total of 167 yards, demonstrating his accuracy and poise under pressure.
Joining Young on the list of top performers on the Panthers' offense was center Bradley Bozeman, who attained a PFF grade of 76.1. Bozeman's exceptional pass-blocking contributed to his season-high grade of 83.4 and played a crucial role in maintaining Young's pocket protection. Right guard Gabe Jackson also delivered a solid performance, earning a PFF grade of 72.2, particularly excelling in run blocking with a team-best grade of 78.7.
Among the wide receivers, Ihmir Smith-Marsette stood out with a PFF grade of 69.0, showcasing his reliability as a target for Young. DJ Chark also had a commendable performance with a grade of 67.4, contributing to the Panthers' success in the passing game.
However, not every player on the Panthers' offense had a stellar outing. Left guard Cade Mays struggled, earning a PFF grade of 58.8, while left tackle Ikem Ekwonu recorded a grade of 57.0. Wide receiver Adam Thielen had a tough game as well, with a PFF grade of 51.6, reflecting his lesser impact on the field. Running back Miles Sanders took a significant step back from his previous showing, managing only two yards on six carries and receiving a PFF grade of 48.6.
Defensively, cornerback Troy Hill emerged as the standout performer for the Panthers, garnering an impressive PFF grade of 88.8. Hill's consistently high grades throughout the season have made him a pleasant surprise for fans and an integral part of the Panthers' success on defense. Another key contributor was outside linebacker Yetur Gross-Matos, who secured a solid grade of 81.4, followed closely by defensive tackle Nick Thurman with a grade of 78.6.
Outside linebacker Brian Burns proved once again why he is a force to be reckoned with, leading the team with three pressures and earning a PFF grade of 76.2. Defensive end Chris Wormley also showcased his skills, earning a grade of 73.1 and contributing to the Panthers' success in disrupting the Falcons' offense.
However, there were some defensive players who struggled. Outside linebacker Marquis Haynes Sr. earned a PFF grade of 56.0, followed by defensive tackle Shy Tuttle with a grade of 55.0. Cornerbacks Donte Jackson and CJ Henderson also had a challenging game, receiving grades of 44.6 and 44.1, respectively. Linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill struggled the most, recording a grade of 41.1.
Despite the difficulties faced by some players, the Panthers' overall performance in Week 15 allowed them to secure a victory over the Falcons. Bryce Young's standout performance and the strong showings from other key players bode well for the team's future success as they march forward in their playoff push.