Revenge and Redemption: Panthers Edge Cowboys in Bryce Young’s Signature Win
October 14, 2025
Bryce Young, Rico Dowdle and the (other) boys took care of business in a home matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in a big NFC game. Dowdle had been quoted leading up to game day stating, “They need to buckle up. I think they know for sure. They didn’t keep me there for five years for no reason.” Dowdle, of course, was drafted by Dallas and released this past offseason after the two sides couldn’t come to an agreement on a new deal. Dowdle made them pay dearly on Sunday, toting the rock for 30 carries and 183 yards while adding in 4 receptions, 56 yards and touchdown through the air.
It wasn’t just the huge game from Dowdle but it certainly helped the third year quarterback Bryce Young find some additional openings. Young has been receiving mixed reviews thus far into his career with many fans growing impatient with the offense that can be inconsistent at times. However, with a defense that is playing above expectations, hopes are starting to get high in Carolina. Their defensive ranks headed into week 6:
12th in yards per game
10th in passing yards per game
14th in rushing yards per game
Bear in mind, the Carolina defense was ranked 32nd in points allowed and total defense in 2024. There have been LARGE improvements made which turns the attention to the offense to take advantage of it.
Through 6 full games now, the Panthers find themselves in a spot to compete as they improved to 3-3 with their 30-27 over Dallas. Thanks to Young’s near 200 yard day and 3 touchdown performance against the Cowboys. The game was back and forth with Dak and Bryce leading their team up and down the field. With 6:07 left in the game and tied at 27 a piece, Young got his chance to make a statement; dinking and dunking down the field. A drive that started at the Panther 17 ended on the Dallas 15 with a chance to go ahead. Carolina kicker Ryan Fitzgerald nailed it as time expired; completing a masterful game winning drive that you want to see from your offense.
I’m not sure Bryce Young will be the superstar that an organization hopes their first overall pick becomes. Let’s get that out of the way. However, he has shown tremendous growth since his rookie year and continues to display the talent that made the Panthers believe in him. With New Orleans and Atlanta becoming complete messes as of late, I see no reason why Carolina can’t find themselves in the race for their division should they keep up this level of play.
Keith, Author
Keith runs youth flag football leagues by day, and by night he hosts the podcast and writes articles with the confidence of a man who’s been rushing quarterbacks since dial-up. A longtime flag football DE and lifelong Falcons fan, he’s no stranger to heartbreak and enjoys watching the bears get slaughtered each week. Equal parts coach, critic, and chaos, Keith calls it like he sees it… even if it hurts.
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