It took three years and change, but Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is finally playing like a No. 1 overall pick.
Sunday night's upset win over the Detroit Lions represented a huge step forward both for Young and the team as a whole—as they finally look ready to compete with the true contenders around the league.
While their defense definitely still has some work to do, it's clear that Carolina has an elite offense. Through four weeks, they're averaging 405.8 yards and 30.3 points per contest—ranking fourth in both categories.
Offensive coordinator Brad Idzik, wide receivers Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker, a solid tight end room and running back Chuba Hubbard all deserve some portion of the credit, but this train is being driven by
Young—who just pulled off something even Cam Newton never did.
According to ESPN, Young's nine touchdown passes in the first four games of a season is a new franchise record. Mike Kaye writes:
Young made excellent decisions throughout the night, leading six scoring drives and completing 70.7% of his passes (29-of-41) for 329 yards and two touchdowns. Young's nine passing touchdowns are a team record for the most through a season's first four games.
The only fault you could (sort of) find in Young's game going into last night was his relatively low completion rate. Yet, he improved on that in the prime-time victory—connecting on 29 of his 41 passes (70.7 percent).
Young's high level of production is impressive across the board, and he's doing it without turning the ball over, too. So far, Young has zero fumbles on the season to go with just two interceptions—one of which was a great defensive play and the other coming as his throwing arm was hit on an attempted fourth-quarter rally.
Heading into the bye, Young is on pace to throw for 5,389 yards and 38 touchdowns—both of which would be franchise records.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers QB Bryce Young sets new franchise record through 4 weeks
