The hope of advancing further in the 2026 NFL playoffs was very high. In fact, they were close to doing so until the final moments. However, the Carolina Panthers fell to the Rams, and from now on, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/bryce-young">Bryce Young</a> and his team will have to focus on building on what they accomplished.



One of the main factors for Dave Canales’ team reaching this far has undeniably been its offense, particularly on the ground. Rico Dowdle has been its primary contributor, though his future seems uncertain heading into what’s next.



During a recent conversation with the media in the locker room, the explosive running back focused on how his playing time decreased as the weeks went on—something that could potentially tip the scales in the upcoming free agency.



“I just want to be a guy who can get the ball,” Dowdle said. While the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers">Panthers</a> trust they can assemble a competitive roster to improve on last season, the running back’s comments cast doubt on his stay in Carolina.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Panthers RB Rico Dowdle on how his decreased reps down the stretch (5 carries on Saturday) will impact his decision on whether to return to Carolina or sign somewhere else as a free agent. <a href="https://t.co/D4LAlgG23B">pic.twitter.com/D4LAlgG23B</a>— Steve Reed (@SteveReedAP) <a href="https://twitter.com/SteveReedAP/status/2010376314776076798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2026</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>The Young-Dowdle tandem was key for the Panthers</h2>



In a breakout 2025 campaign with the Carolina Panthers, Rico Dowdle evolved into a vital asset for Bryce Young, providing the offensive balance needed to sustain drives. 


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/2026-nfl-playoff-bracket-updated-after-bears-packers-and-rams-panthers-in-wild-card-round"></div>


Dowdle amassed 1,076 rushing yards on 236 carries, maintaining a highly efficient 4.6 average and punching in 6 touchdowns on the ground. His explosive mid-season form, highlighted by franchise-record performances, made him a key weapon that relieved pressure on Young’s passing game. 



However, his on-field appearances notably tapered off during the latter stages of the season due to tactical adjustments by the coaching staff. Head coach Dave Canales opted for a more rigid hot hand rotation with Chuba Hubbard and specialized personnel packages that prioritized situational blocking and fresh legs, which often saw Dowdle’s snap counts fluctuate despite his proven playmaking ability.

Bryce Young at risk of losing key weapon after Panthers’ elimination from the 2026 NFL playoffs

Bryce Young at risk of losing key weapon after Panthers’ elimination from the 2026 NFL playoffs - Bolavip US

miniaturas

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers">Carolina Panthers</a> entered the 2026 playoffs as the biggest underdog in the NFL. After winning the NFC South thanks to a result that did not depend on them, the Falcons’ victory over the Saints, no one believed in miracles.



However, in the Panthers’ memory was the fresh reminder of Week 13, when they surprised the Rams, their opponent in the Wild Card Round of the postseason. They already knew the formula to defeat Matthew Stafford.



Now, as double-digit favorites, Sean McVay and his players had to prove all those expectations as <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> contenders despite a second half of the schedule in which they were very inconsistent.



<h2>Are Panthers out of the 2026 NFL playoffs?</h2>



Yes. The Panthers are officially out of the playoffs after losing 34–31 to the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round. Bryce Young had the opportunity to tie the game on the final drive, but he was unable to complete the epic comeback.


 

 


Now, as the No. 5 seed, the Rams will be waiting for their next opponent in the Divisional Round. They have many possible options: the Seattle Seahawks, the Chicago Bears, the Philadelphia Eagles, or the San Francisco 49ers.



In this scenario, the only way they could have a home game in the Divisional Round is if the 49ers and Packers win their games in Wild Card round. That would result in Seattle vs Green Bay at Lumen Field and Rams vs San Francisco at SoFi Stadium.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/are-the-panthers-eliminated-from-nfl-playoffs-with-loss-to-buccaneers"></div>

Are Panthers officially eliminated from 2026 NFL playoffs after game with Rams in Wild Card round?

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Are Panthers officially eliminated from 2026 NFL playoffs after game with Rams in Wild Card round? - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/matthew-stafford">Matthew Stafford</a> has achieved another huge milestone in his NFL career. It has been confirmed that the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-rams">Los Angeles Rams</a> star was named First-Team All-Pro. The AP confirmed that the veteran received more votes than Drake Maye of the New England Patriots.



This accolade could give him a very important boost to win the MVP award. That race also appears to be only between two players: Stafford and Maye. Nevertheless, being a First-Team All-Pro is a very significant edge for potential voters.



At the moment, Matthew Stafford and the Rams are trying to win a second <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> in the playoffs. The quarterback had a great 2025 season with 4,707 yards, 46 touchdowns, and only 8 interceptions.



<h2>Will Matthew Stafford retire if Rams lose to Panthers?</h2>



Matthew Stafford has shown no signs that he plans to retire, even if the Rams lose to the Panthers. Although he is 37 years old, the level he has shown allows him to play several more seasons at a high level.


 

 


<h2>Rams can win the Super Bowl</h2>



Despite entering the playoffs as the No. 5 seed, the Rams are favorites for many experts to be the NFC representative in the Super Bowl. This is ahead of other teams such as the Seahawks, Bears, or Eagles.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/nfl-news-puka-nacua-clarifies-post-on-x-about-referees-after-matthew-stafford-and-rams-lost-to-seahawks"></div>

Puka Nacua and Sean McVay send clear message to NFL and referees after Matthew Stafford’s Rams overtime loss against Seahawks

Matthew Stafford gets important update on his NFL career even if Rams lose to Panthers in 2026 playoffs - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carolina Panthers</a> have made the NFL playoffs for the first time in seven years. Now, the club has made its final decision regarding the future of Bryce Young as QB1.



It took three seasons for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/bryce-young" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bryce Young</a> to reach the playoffs. In previous years, the Panthers were reportedly open to trading him, but after a solid 2025 NFL season, those discussions appear to be off the table.



According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Panthers plan to exercise the fifth-year option in Bryce Young’s contract. This decision keeps him in Carolina for at least two more seasons, with the possibility of a new long-term deal depending on his performance and the team’s results in the 2026 playoffs.



<h2>Bryce Young has improved, but success is still missing</h2>



The 2025 season was a step forward for Bryce Young. The former No. 1 overall pick showed improvement across nearly every statistical category, helping the Panthers end a seven-year playoff drought.



Young finished the regular season with an 8-8 record, a 63.6% completion rate, 3,011 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Aside from the interceptions, those numbers represent career highs for him.



However, this still falls short of what Carolina expected after investing so much in the former Alabama standout. With a final QB rating of 47.7, questions remain about Young’s ceiling, which explains why the Panthers are not ready to offer a contract extension without seeing further development over the next two years.


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Reaching the 2026 playoffs helps his case, but Young must deliver greater success and turn the Panthers into legitimate contenders. Otherwise, the organization may allow his rookie contract to play out and consider moving on if results don’t improve.



<h2>The NFC South may be helping Bryce Young</h2>



Many fans consider the NFC South the weakest division in the NFL. While that may have helped Bryce Young gain confidence, it also raises concerns about how he performs against stronger competition.



Carolina finished 5-6 against non-division opponents and 3-3 within the NFC South. The Panthers were not dominant either inside or outside the division, which continues to fuel doubts about Young’s overall impact and long-term potential as a franchise quarterback.

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Panthers make final decision on Bryce Young's continuity as QB1 for 2026 season - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers">Carolina Panthers</a> lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18, but thanks to a victory by the Atlanta Falcons over the Saints, they were able to win the NFC South and clinch a spot in the playoffs.



That means the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/are-the-bucs-eliminated-from-nfl-playoffs-with-loss-to-panthers">Buccaneers were officially eliminated</a> and the Panthers will have a postseason game at home as division champions. A huge break of luck, or destiny, that very few expected with that three-way tie at the top of the standings.



Now, despite being the biggest underdog in the NFL to win the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a>, the Panthers will host <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/puka-nacua-and-sean-mcvay-send-clear-message-to-nfl-and-referees-after-rams-overtime-loss-against-seahawks">Matthew Stafford and the Rams</a>. It is important to remember that in Week 13, Carolina pulled off the upset by defeating Los Angeles. Anything is possible.



<h2>What happens if the Panthers lose against the Rams in the Wild Card round?</h2>



If the Panthers lose to the Rams in the Wild Card Round of the NFL playoffs, Carolina will be officially eliminated. Then, as the No. 5 seed in the NFC, Los Angeles would advance to the Divisional Round, and their next opponent could be the Seattle Seahawks, the Philadelphia Eagles, the Chicago Bears or the San Francisco 49ers.


 

 


<h2>What happens if the Panthers and Rams tie in 2026 playoffs?</h2>



If the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Rams tie, the game will go to overtime under playoff rules. In this scenario, each team will necessarily have at least one possession, unless the defense records a safety on the first drive. The game cannot end in a tie.


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<h2>What happens if the Rams lose today against Panthers in Wild Card round?</h2>



If the Rams lose today to the Panthers, they will be eliminated in a huge upset, considering it is a roster with names like Matthew Stafford, Davante Adams, and Puka Nacua.



In case the Panthers beat the Rams, their No. 4 seed would give them many possible options for opponents in the Divisional Round. They could face the Seahawks, Bears or the Eagles, or even have another home game against the 49ers.

Are the Panthers eliminated from NFL playoffs with loss to Buccaneers?

What happens if Panthers lose or win today against Buccaneers in NFL Week 18 of 2025 season?

NFL Playoffs 2026: What happens if Carolina Panthers lose, win or tie today against Rams in Wild Card round? - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carolina Panthers</a> return to the NFL playoffs after a seven-year absence. Now, head coach Dave Canales has made something clear to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/bryce-young" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bryce Young</a> about how to approach the postseason.



The Panthers made their last playoff appearance in 2018. This season, they are back in the postseason as NFC South champions, but head coach Dave Canales doesn’t want the team to feel overly confident.



Ahead of their game against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-rams" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Los Angeles Rams</a>, Canales sent a clear message to Bryce Young and the rest of the roster, emphasizing the importance of staying focused and clearing their minds in order to approach this tough matchup the right way.



“It is special, and it’s important that we recognize that, we lean into it and we feed off that energy,” HC Dave Canales said. “At the same time, we’ve got to keep our head about us and execute on the most fundamental parts of it. Because if you get too excited and caught up in the moment, you can sacrifice technique, and sometimes you can go too far and that’s not what I want either.”



<h2>The Panthers are not favorites against the Rams</h2>



During the 2025 regular season, the Panthers shocked everyone by defeating the Rams. However, Los Angeles has changed significantly since then, which is why another surprise is considered unlikely.



Carolina will have home-field advantage thanks to its division title, and the Panthers will need to take full advantage of it to overcome a team many fans view as the strongest NFC contender this year.


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The Panthers have not won a playoff game since 2015, when they reached Super Bowl 50 with Cam Newton leading the offense. Experience is on the Rams’ side, but Canales proved in the regular-season matchup that Carolina is capable of defying the odds.


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Panthers HC Dave Canales sends clear message to Bryce Young ahead of first NFL playoff appearance - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers">Carolina Panthers</a> seem to be on the right path in their latest rebuilding process, led by Dave Canales as head coach and Bryce Young as the starting quarterback.



Despite the many doubts about Young as a franchise QB, the Alabama prospect managed to bounce back after a tough rookie year and has established himself as the undisputed starter.



Now, the Panthers could have a chance to fight for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> if they defeat the Buccaneers to win the NFC South. However, a loss could derail their postseason hopes.



<h2>Are the Panthers out of the playoffs if they lose to Buccaneers?</h2>



No. The Carolina Panthers are not out of the playoffs even if they lose to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In this scenario, a win by the Atlanta Falcons over the New Orleans Saints would make the Panthers NFC South champions and earn them a ticket to the postseason.


 

 


<h2>What happens if the Panthers beat the Buccaneers in Week 18?</h2>



If the Carolina Panthers defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18, they will clinch their playoff berth as NFC South champions. That would make them the No. 4 seed in the conference, with a home game in the Wild Card round.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/what-happens-if-tampa-bay-buccaneers-lose-today-against-panthers-in-2025-nfl-week-18"></div>

Are the Carolina Panthers eliminated from NFL playoffs with loss to Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

What happens if Buccaneers win today against Panthers in Week 18 of 2025 NFL season?

Are the Panthers eliminated from playoffs with loss to Bucs? - Bolavip US

Are Panthers eliminated from playoffs with loss vs Buccaneers?

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carolina Panthers</a> quarterback Bryce Young didn’t have the best 2025 NFL season, but the final stretch of the year shows that he is trending in the right direction. The Panthers have had ups and downs during the campaign, but remain in the race to win the NFC South.&nbsp;



They came out victorious in the Week 16 duel against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, taking the lead of the division with two games left. Carolina will host the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17 before visiting the Buccaneers in the season finale.&nbsp;



Young’s team has secured big wins over the Green Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Rams, showing that they can beat anybody on a good day, but have also lost twice to the New Orleans Saints, the worst team in the division.&nbsp; The quarterback continues to make strides and recent numbers should make Panthers fans dream.&nbsp;



<h2>Bryce Young is heating up at the right time&nbsp;</h2>



After resurging following his benching in 2024, Bryce Young is doing the same this season. He has dealt with injuries this time, but his late-season performances show that he is evolving. Panthers analyst Edgar Salmingo Jr. shared on Tuesday that Young was one from Weeks 1-10, ranking low in most QB stats, including turnovers and total touchdowns. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251226_BUS_551660_Bryce-Young-quarterback-of-the-Carolina-Panthers-1_6b6808d0.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Bryce Young, quarterback of the Carolina Panthers" class="wp-image-267883" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Bryce Young, quarterback of the Carolina Panthers</figcaption></figure>



From Week 11 until this point, he ranks first in fumbles (last fumbled in Week 11), fifth in interceptions and fourth in total touchdowns.&nbsp;



It’s been argued that the Panthers must move on from Young at the end of the season, but he is on the verge of taking his team to the postseason. The Seahawks (12-3) aren’t an easy opponent by any means, but the Panthers have shown they aren’t an easy win for anybody.&nbsp;

Stats show Bryce Young continues intriguing late-season trend

Stats show Bryce Young continues intriguing late-season trend - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carolina Panthers</a> couldn’t take care of business when it mattered the most. Dave Canales’ team had a huge opportunity to stay strong in the divisional race, and they dropped it.



The New Orleans Saints got the best of the Panthers with a game-winning field goal. They were in control of their own destiny after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ collapse.



That’s why ESPN insider David Newton had some big words to say about Bryce Young. Essentially, he blamed the former No. 1 pick for the team’s shortcomings on Sunday. 



<h2>ESPN insider says Bryce Young didn’t do enough</h2>



“Bryce Young needed to step up in his biggest December game in the NFL, and he didn’t do quite enough.” Newton wrote. “In the end, the quarterback, who went 15-for-24 for 163 yards and 1 touchdown, didn’t do enough.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251216_BUS_546294_bryce-young-2_5eacec81.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Bryce Young" class="wp-image-519597" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers.</figcaption></figure>



Granted, on the surface, Young’s numbers are far from impressive, and this was a game the Panthers just couldn’t afford to lose. Nevertheless, this was a subpar team effort overall.



Also, the Saints have been much better than their record shows, at least offensively, since Tyler Shough took the reins of the offense, and that’s just how divisional games usually go.

Insider blames Bryce Young after loss to Saints

Insider blames Bryce Young after loss to Saints - Bolavip US

The early days of the Bryce Young era were a tough watch. It seemed that the <a href="http://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carolina Panthers</a> had been fleeced and had made a terrible mistake with that trade.



Fast forward to today, and they’re having their best season in quite a while. And while there have been some ups and downs, their quarterback has looked solid lately, especially in clutch situations.



The eye test may not be that impressive, and he clearly still has some work to do. Nevertheless, the numbers show that he’s actually been getting better and better with more reps.



<h2>Bryce Young is trending in the right direction</h2>



“Quarterback Bryce Young (64.7 grade; 30th) has been playing excellent football over the last month: His 74.1 overall PFF grade since Week 10 is 10th among quarterbacks, and his 5.2% big-time throw rate is ninth,” PFF’s Thomas Valentine wrote. “If Young can keep playing stellar ball, the Panthers might sneak into the playoffs as division winners — something they haven’t done since 2015.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251211_BUS_543572_Bryce-Young-7_454ed15d.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers" class="wp-image-358866" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers</figcaption></figure>



Of course, that’s a big if, and the Panthers don’t control their own destiny in the division right now. But given how the Buccaneers have struggled, it’s definitely not out of the question.



His game might not be as flashy, and he doesn’t do a lot of talking. Then again, Bryce Young has taken some big leaps since his terrible rookie season, and he might turn out to be just fine.

Stats prove Bryce Young has been better than the eye test shows

Stats prove Bryce Young has been better than the eye test shows - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carolina Panthers</a> star quarterback Bryce Young delivered one of his best performances since entering the NFL two years ago. The third-year quarterback led the Panthers to a huge 31-28 upset over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 13 of the 2025 season.&nbsp;



Young finished 15 of 20 for 206 yards and three touchdowns with two sacks. The Panthers improved to 7-6 and confirmed they aren’t dead in the race for the NFC South.&nbsp;



Young’s performance earned him a lot of attention, more so given the caliber of the team he beat. The Panthers need to build on this win, but Young appears to be on the right path.



<h2>Bryce Young gets high praise after beating Rams&nbsp;</h2>



Fox Sports analyst Eric Williams lauded Young on his Thursday’s NFL Heat Index. The analyst praised the quarterback and noted that the Panthers can pose a big challenge to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251205_BUS_540126_bryce-young-1_4d44eb2a.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Bryce Young Panthers" class="wp-image-519594" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers.</figcaption></figure>



“The Alabama product was solid in his team’s upset win at home over the Los Angeles Rams, finishing 15 of 20 for 206 yards, with three touchdown passes and no interceptions for a 147.1 passer rating,” Williams wrote. “Panthers head coach Dave Caneles has done a nice job of creating an offense that accentuates Young’s skill set, leaning on a running game led by Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle. At 7-6, the Panthers have a chance to challenge the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South. And Young’s efficient play in leading the offense gives Carolina a chance to win each week.”



They will face the New Orleans Saints on Week 15, hoping to get revenge on their divisional rivals and secure their eighth win of the season.&nbsp;

Bryce Young gets approval stamp after win over Rams

Bryce Young gets approval stamp after win over Rams - Bolavip US

The Carolina Panthers couldn’t get things going against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday. They lost 20-9 against the NFC West franchise at Levi’s Stadium, dropping to 6-6 and missing out on a big chance to become the leaders of the NFC South division.



Quarterback Bryce Young went 18 of 29 for 169 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions. Running back Rico Dowdle failed to make an impact, carrying the ball six times for 38 yards. Dowdle tweeted a confused emoji to express his disappointment with the development of the game.



Dowdle’s social media action drew a lot of attention, with people wondering if that could result in a big issue for the Panthers. The former Dallas Cowboys player revealed Dave Canales took ownership for not relying on the running game during the 49ers game, but that wasn’t the end of the conversation.



<h2>Bryce Young reacts to Rico Dowdle’s emoji</h2>



Young shared his thoughts on Dowdle’s social media activity, saying that everybody on the team is focused on the same goal and they are working to achieve it.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251129_BUS_535382_rico-dowdle-1_8696abda.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Rico Dowdle #5 of the Carolina Panthers" class="wp-image-515259" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Rico Dowdle #5 of the Carolina Panthers</figcaption></figure>



“Yeah, [the conversation] wasn’t about that specifically. Rico is competitive and obviously wants to win,” Young said. “We always want to win. We didn’t get that done. We all have a competitive spirit. We talked about the game and the game plan, and stuff like that is in-house. We don’t discuss that on social media, so that’ll be our focus.”



The Panthers still have chances to win the NFC South, but they need to win games with consistency. They will clash against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.&nbsp;

Bryce Young breaks silence on Rico Dowdle’s cryptic message

Bryce Young breaks silence on Rico Dowdle's cryptic message - Bolavip US

If there’s one team in the NFL that’s truly the surprise this season, it’s the Carolina Panthers. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/bryce-young">Bryce Young</a>’s squad has endured turbulent years in the league, making their current record put them within striking distance of claiming the NFC South, with several games still to play.



Much of this growth in recent weeks has come from the offensive firepower of Dave Canales’ team, particularly with the ground contribution of Rico Dowdle. The running back has emerged as one of the most targeted players by the QB this season.



The former Cowboys player will become a free agent once this season concludes, leaving his future uncertain. In recent statements to the press, Dowdle said that this season is a kind of “audition” for him.



“Every week is an audition for me, being on a one-year contract,” Dowdle told reporters, per David Newton. “All 31 teams are always watching. So I wouldn’t say just this week in particular but I definitely know I’ve got to go out there and do my best.”



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Running back Rico Dowdle says every game is an audition for him since he’s on a one-year deal with the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Panthers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Panthers</a>. <a href="https://t.co/8fZtk9MqKI">pic.twitter.com/8fZtk9MqKI</a>— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) <a href="https://twitter.com/DNewtonespn/status/1991970855593582831?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>Dowdle’s influence on the Panthers’ offense</h2>



Running back Rico Dowdle has unexpectedly become the focal point of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers">Carolina Panthers</a>‘ offense this season, providing a much-needed jolt to the running game. 


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/dave-canales-gets-real-on-the-importance-of-monday-night-football-duel-against-49ers"></div>


Through 11 games, the veteran back has amassed 833 rushing yards on 168 carries, averaging a strong 5.0 yards per attempt, and has scored five total touchdowns. 



His consistent production, which includes a massive 206-yard rushing performance in a breakout game, has solidified his role as the team’s primary ball-carrier, injecting an element of dynamism and reliability that the Panthers’ attack desperately needed.



<h2>Will Dowdle remain a Panther next season?</h2>



Dowdle is set to cash in this offseason, as his breakout performance has positioned him as one of the top unrestricted free agents at his position. After signing a one-year deal, Dowdle, who publicly stated he views every game as an “audition,” has attracted significant league-wide attention. 



While the Panthers would undoubtedly like to retain his dynamic running ability, the presence of other contracted backs like Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks (who is returning from injury) on the roster, combined with multiple teams reportedly interested in acquiring a starting-caliber back, makes his return to Carolina a major question mark.

Bryce Young’s key weapon makes major admission about his future with the Panthers

Bryce Young’s key weapon makes major admission about his future with the Panthers - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carolina Panthers </a>star quarterback Bryce Young sent a strong message after his team secured its second win of the season against the Atlanta Falcons. Despite suffering an ankle injury in the first quarter, Young stayed on the field and led his squad to the promised land.



He was in pain after hurting the same ankle that kept him sidelined for one game, and trainers took him directly to the locker room, but Young returned and did it in big fashion.&nbsp;



The Panthers beat the Falcons, 30-27, in overtime, after Young drove them into position for the game-winning field goal. He connected with tight end Tommy Tremble to put them in a spot to attempt a 54-yard kick.&nbsp;



Carolina improved to 6-5, getting closer to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4) in the NFC West race and winning the regular-season matchup against the Falcons.&nbsp;



<h2>Bryce Young lauds team after overtime win over Falcons&nbsp;</h2>



During his post-game interview with Sarah Kustok of Fox Sports, Young lauded his teammates for putting so much effort and fighting until the end.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/19123106/Bryce-Young-7-1920x1080.webp" alt="Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers" class="wp-image-358866" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers</figcaption></figure>



“All glory goes to (God). I just ride by my teammates, I’m super grateful to be a Panther, to be part of this team,” Young said. “We’re so resilient, we keep fighting, we always believe going into the next play. So just leading on them is what got the job done.”



Young had a terrific day, despite playing with a heavily taped ankle. He passed Cam Newton for the single-game passing yards record in Panthers history. Young threw for 448 yards and three touchdowns.



The Panthers will take on the San Francisco 49ers in Week 12, hoping to have their star quarterback ready to go.&nbsp;

Bryce Young sends heartfelt message to Panthers Nation after win over Falcons

Bryce Young sends heartfelt message to Panthers Nation after win over Falcons - Bolavip US

Third-year quarterback Bryce Young and the<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Carolina Panthers</a> escaped Lambeau Field with a hard-fought, close win against the Green Bay Packers (16-13) in Week 9 of the 2025<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> NFL</a> season.&nbsp;



Young continues to evolve, and while it wasn’t the prettiest win, he led his team to the fourth win of the season, bringing their record to 5-4 and keeping them in the race for the NFC South division.&nbsp;



Young faced a tough Packers defense, going 11 of 20 for 102 yards against one interception. The former Alabama quarterback still took his squad to the promised land against the then-No. 1 seed in the NFC.&nbsp;In doing so, Young joined an exclusive club of players undefeated since the start of October.&nbsp;



<h2>Bryce Young remains undefeated since the start of October&nbsp;</h2>



After finishing September with a 1-3 record, Young put the Panthers in a solid position to compete. The player went 4-0 in October, meaning he’s one of three quarterbacks without a single loss since the start of last month.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251105_BUS_521266_Bryce-Young-looks-on-1024x576_f72aeab3.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Bryce Young looks on" class="wp-image-515607" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers enters the field.</figcaption></figure>



Young, alongside Drake Maye (5-0) and Bo Nix (5-0), is one of the only three quarterbacks undefeated since the start of October.&nbsp;



The Panthers started the month with a win over the Miami Dolphins (27-24). They followed up with another one-score win over the Dallas Cowboys (30-27), followed by a low-scoring battle against the New York Jets (13-6). Most recently, they beat the Packers.



In the middle of that, they clashed with the Buffalo Bills. Andy Dalton didn’t stand a chance against the AFC East squad, losing 40-9 in Week 8.&nbsp;

Bryce Young joined exclusive group with undefeated record

Bryce Young joined exclusive group with undefeated record - Bolavip US

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