The Carolina Panthers may have fallen to a close wild-card playoff defeat, but the praise being thrown at quarterback Bryce Young shows just how far he's come this season. Picking up his fifth-year option was a just reward for his positive impact on the team's rise to prominence.
Young grew as a player. He has evolved as a leader. The signal-caller proved his credentials in the clutch, and he made believers of almost everyone. There are still some critics who can't get over their pre-draft projections, but they are fading.
One of his biggest supporters over the last year has always believed Young is the guy.