Connor

Bryce Young isn't the Panthers' problem. Carolina ranks 31st of 32 in pass block win rate. Young has been pressured on 44.3% of his dropbacks against four or fewer pass rushers. Highest rate of any QB in the NFL. That's five blockers losing to four rushers. He's faced 64 pressures this season. Second-most in the league. The sacks are charted to the line. Fortner: 4 allowed. Lewis: 4. Hunt beaten cleanly in Week 7. And through five games, behind all of that, Young was top-10 in efficiency per play, averaged 9.4 air yards per throw, led the NFL in 10+ yard completions, and set a franchise record with 11 TD passes. Quarterbacks who are the problem don't do that. What changed is medical. He hurt his knee in Week 3 and has played in a brace since. His pressure-to-sack rate is 17.3% on the season against an 18.4% career mark. The last two weeks: 35.7% and 27.3%. The escaping stopped. The pressure never did. Taylor Moton played seven quarters all year and is done for the season. Ekwonu is out after knee surgery. Carolina's tackles are a rookie and a free agent signing. Put any QB back there and he gets hit.