There had been few more encouraging starts to the season than the Carolina Panthers. Even though they were only 3-2 through six weeks, the Panthers' offense was humming, and Bryce Young had taken a huge step forward. Combine that with a faltering NFC South, and it looked like the Panthers were already on their way to a second straight division title.
Buccaneers 43, Panthers, an emphatic reminder that things are rarely what they seem in the NFL. And that Week 6 is way too early to even pencil in anything as far as the playoffs go. With that, we get to overreactions and reality checks.
Carolina got the latter served, cold, on Sunday. There is simply no other way to state it. This was one of the most stunning displays -- or lack thereof -- we've seen in the NFL of late.
Add in the opportunity that the Panthers had at home, plus everything else this game represents, and it's a truly awful Sunday from Carolina. Bryce Young threw two interceptions and got sacked five times, one of which resulted in a Calijah Kancey scoop and score. Remember all those terrible outings from the first two years of his career where he looked completely overwhelmed from a physical perspective?
This looked very much like that. 97 with the SACK 😤 94 with the TOUCHDOWN 🙌📺: #TBvsCAR on FOX pic.twitter.com/6xGVyQBoFl 🚨 FOURTH TAKEAWAY 🚨📺: #TBvsCAR on FOX pic.twitter.com/AZG8Avz2EY Young was truly awful in every aspect. His pocket escapability wasn't up to par, and Todd Bowles overwhelmed -- there's that word again -- him throughout the afternoon. But really, the Buccaneers overwhelmed the Panthers in every aspect.
Carolina had one carry of 15+ yards ... and it was by backup quarterback Kenny Pickett in garbage time. Young didn't get much help from anyone up front; the Buccaneers registered 13 pressures and had six quick pressures (2.5 seconds or faster). That might get worse, too: Right tackle Taylor Moton suffered a fractured fibula, got carted off and is out indefinitely.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
