Alabama’s Bryce Young outduels C.J. Stroud, Will Anderson for first NFL win with Panthers

Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young earned his first career win on Sunday after leading a game-winning drive against a pair of familiar foes playing for the Houston Texans.

The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner at Alabama not only defeated his former teammate, Will Anderson Jr., but also outdueled opposing passer C.J. Stroud. Young and Stroud went Nos. 1 and 2 in the 2023 NFL Draft, respectively. Anderson went third, marking the first time in NFL history that the top three picks of a given draft all played in the same game as rookies.

More: Connection between Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud and Alabama’s Bryce Young goes way back

After the game, Young and Stroud shared a moment and snapped a photo together. The two never faced off in college, but were both finalists for the 2021 Heisman Trophy and went through the NFL draft process together. They also became friends in middle school as prospects out of Southern California.

Bryce Young stats vs. Texans

• Passing: 22 of 31, 235 yards, one touchdown (six sacks for 55 yards)
• Rushing: Four rushes for 11 yards

Young completed 22 of 31 passes for 235 yards and a touchdown in the game, and led a 15-play, 86-yard drive ending in a game-winning field goal as time expired.

Anderson at least got a hit on Young, appearing to sack his former teammate in the second quarter. The play was wiped due to a defensive holding penalty, however.

Bryce Young-C.J. Stroud comparison

Given their history together and the fact they were takens with the top picks of the 2023 draft, it’s worth comparing which of Young and Stroud had the “better” game (Panthers win notwithstanding). Stroud completed 16 of 24 passes for 140 yards and was sacked twice for a loss of 21 yards. That said, he did rush two times for 13 yards and a score, including a 12-yard gain.

That said, Young and Stroud appeared nothing more than complementary of each other before and after the game:

“It’s definitely an exciting feeling, Young told reporters after the game. “As we know, wins aren’t easy to come by in this league. It’s great to get on the board, great to get a win.”

Young also showed his excitement in the Panthers’ locker room:

Either way, Sunday’s win is not one Young will be soon to forget.