Bryce Young tried valiantly to get the Carolina Panthers into the playoffs without relying on circumstances elsewhere. It wasn't enough, and a Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback pinpointed what is preventing the former Alabama standout from taking the next step.
Young came on as the game progressed. The game plan was conservative early on, and the offense couldn't get into any rhythm. When the tempo increased as Carolina chased the contest at Raymond James Stadium, that's when things began to improve. Unfortunately, the Panthers ran out of time.
Baker Mayfield was at his mercurial best, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers struck what could be a telling blow in the NFC South championship race.