‘Hard work works:’ Young developing chemistry with WRs  

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Rookie Tetairoa McMillan is among the young Carolina Panthers receivers developing chemistry and rhythm with quarterback Bryce Young.

A hampered Bryce Young limped to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium podium, moments after gutting out a franchise-best passing performance.  

The much-maligned Carolina Panthers quarterback grinned when asked about his injured right ankle, which was re-injured twice during Sunday’s 30-27 overtime victory over the host Atlanta Falcons.  

“Yeah, it’s good,” Young said, opening his post-game press conference, via Panthers.com. 

Rebounding from a poor Week 10 performance, Young compiled a single-game, team record 448 passing yards, rallying the Panthers from a 14-point, second-quarter deficit. With coach Dave Canales digging deeper into the playbook, Young helped complete the comeback by delivering a go-ahead touchdown pass with 1:35 remaining in regulation and a season-long 54-yarder to set up the game-winning field goal. 

Here’s what stood out to the coach.  

“Just the resilience,” Canales said Monday. “(It was) an opportunity to show his teammates that he wants to be out there with those guys to win that game with them." 

Also aided by the Panthers’ young receiving corps creating better separation against the Falcons’ predominant press coverage, Young completed 31-of-45 passes with three touchdowns, including a 36-yard connection with Xavier Legette on a third-quarter fly route. 

“There was a concerted effort to make sure Xavier had one-on-one opportunities,” Canales said. 

Is it time to set Young free? 

Passing attack breaks out 

Entering Week 11, the Panthers’ passing offense averaged just 5.36 yards per play, which ranked 29th in the NFL. Their 164 passing yards per game ranked 30th. Considering they produced just 21 passing plays of 20 or more yards, it’s little wonder why opponents shifted their defensive focus to stopping the Panthers’ ground game. 

Canales absorbed part of the blame. 

“It’s a collective group effort and it starts with myself,” he said Friday. “(We) have to make sure we put a good plan together and put them in position to be successful (by) running routes that complement their skillsets.  

“From there, it’s just about chemistry and timing, something the guys have been working tirelessly on for weeks now. They continue to grow together. They continue to make strides and I’m excited to see them out there (against the Falcons).  

“What I know is hard work works.” 

It did against Atlanta. 

Connecting with nine different receivers, Young registered a career-best 212 yards on passes of at least 10 air yards. He also finished with 302 yards during in-rhythm attempts (within 2.5 to 4 seconds), the second-most among QBs this season, according to Next Gen Stats. 

The Panthers pulled off a key NFC South win by discovering an aerial attack against what was the league’s top pass defense. The Falcons previously failed to surrender more than 221 passing yards this season.  

Rookie Tetairoa McMillan, who continues to display traits of a future receiving cornerstone, led the Panthers with eight catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns. He was one of five players with at least 52 receiving yards as Young broke Cam Newton’s previous single-game record of 432 yards. Legette, who had zero catches against the Saints, hauled in four passes for 83 yards. The 36-yard TD was a career-best effort. Coker added a 2-point conversion. 

“I’m pleased with the group in general, building on the hard work they’ve put in,” Canales said. 

Canales: ‘It’s time on task’ 

Running a short route during a recent practice, McMillan dropped Young’s dump pass and extended his hands in frustration. The No. 8 overall draft pick in April jogged back to the front of the receiving line and ran the play again, securing the catch on the second attempt. 

The chemistry with McMillan, Coker and Legette remains a work in progress for Young. Against the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 2, Carolina stalled when seven and eight defenders committed to denying Rico Dowdle lanes to escape a “crowded box.” 

Unlike Sunday against the Falcons, the Panthers’ receivers failed to consistently create separation from New Orleans’ pressing defensive backs. Young struggled to connect on downfield passes over 13 yards, completing just one, a 26-yarder to McMillan.

After the Panthers failed to produce points on their final nine possessions Nov. 2, Canales questioned the team’s execution and his own play calling.  

The extra attention to detail contributed to Young’s breakout effort against the Falcons (3-7). The Panthers (6-5) moved to within a half game of division-leading Tampa Bay (6-4).  

“It’s time on task, the trust factor,” Canales said. “It’s guys being where they are supposed to be when they are supposed to be there.  Creating more separation, it’s all technique. It’s making sure you’re exploding off the ball, making sure you are coming out of your route efficiently with your footwork and body position. All those things we work on a consistent basis.  

“I’ve been seeing the improvement, but I’m so glad to see it come alive on Sunday.” 

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