Bryce Young has never traveled to Europe before. This weekend, the 23-year-old quarterback will get his first chance to visit overseas when the Carolina Panthers play the New York Giants on Sunday in Germany. Both teams are currently 2-7.
Young kept his starting role after leading the Panthers to a 23-22 win over the New Orleans Saints last Sunday, including a key fourth-quarter touchdown drive. Now, he hopes to help the Panthers win back-to-back games for the first time since December 2022.
Young was given the starting job over a healthy Andy Dalton. Dalton had taken over as the Panthers’ starter in Week 3 after head coach Dave Canales benched Young following a rough start to the season.
But Dalton injured his right thumb in a car accident and has not played since. He will be the backup quarterback again this week.
“He did a fantastic job of finishing that game the right way, finding a way to win and really battling that way, so I was really proud of Bryce for that,” Canales said. “I just took all the information in and wanted to give him another opportunity to get out there and face the Giants this week in Germany.”
Young, who has a 3-17 record as an NFL starter, said he is grateful for the chance to continue proving himself, even though his long-term future with the team is still uncertain.
“The more I’m able to experience stuff, I feel more and more comfortable,” Young said. “That’s stuff we continue to grow and build off of.”
Carolina’s defense, which has allowed the most points in the league this season, will face Daniel Jones, the Giants’ quarterback who grew up in Charlotte and supported the Panthers during his time at Charlotte Latin High School. Jones will play against his hometown team in Germany.
“It gives you some perspective on how far you’ve come and the opportunity you have to play in the NFL,” Jones said. “And certainly, have a lot of appreciation for that. Once the ball is snapped and kicked off, it’s just another game.”
The Giants have lost four games in a row, but Jones will look to turn things around against Carolina’s weak defense.
