The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers clashed in one of the most important games of their season on Saturday in Week 18. The Panthers fell short in this battle, and one of the main reasons fans are pointing out with scorn is Carolina quarterback Bryce Young’s mistake during the second half.
The moment is now reminding many of a similar mistake made by former franchise quarterback Cam Newton a decade ago. Amid the ongoing chatter about the fumble, an NFL analyst has also shared his opinion.
NFL Analyst Criticizes Bryce Young, Comparing His Case to Cam Newton’s
In the second half, with the Panthers’ offense near the Buccaneers’ 20-yard line, Carolina tried a trick play called a flea-flicker. However, running back Rico Dowdle slipped on the field while trying to toss the ball back to Young. The ball hit the ground, and Tampa Bay recovered it at its own 29-yard line.
Young had a decent opportunity to jump on the fumble but couldn’t secure it. The moment evoked nostalgia among fans, recalling a similar situation involving then-Panthers quarterback Newton during Super Bowl 50 against the Denver Broncos, a 24–10 loss that left fans frustrated with Newton’s performance.
While fans have taken shots at both Newton and Dowdle, Young addressed the play after the game, saying moments like these happen and calling it “unfortunate.”
“Rico slipped,” Young said. “I mean, it’s one of those freak plays. You lose your balance as you’re tossing the ball back, which is, you know, that’s one of those freak plays that it’s not a football thing that normally happens. So tried to get the ball, tried to pick it up, didn’t get on it, didn’t get that. It’s just an unfortunate, unfortunate thing.”
Saturday’s game carried major playoff implications, and after the loss, criticism was inevitable. Recently, the NFL analyst Jason Whitlock also joined the conversation, stating that Newton made a better effort in a similar situation a decade ago.
“Cam Newton made a better effort to get that fumble. I’m out on Bryce Young. Can’t challenge the teeth of the defense with his arm. A homeless man’s Tua,” Whitlock wrote on X.
Young’s team lost an important game and missed the chance to enter the postseason right away. However, their playoff hopes have not completely vanished.
The Panthers could still win the division for the first time in a decade, since their last title under Newton’s leadership 10 years ago, if the Atlanta Falcons defeat the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. If the Saints win or tie, Tampa Bay will move ahead. The Panthers and Buccaneers currently hold 61.8% and 38.2% playoff chances, respectively, according to PFSN’s NFL Playoff Predictor.
