Panthers' Adam Thielen slams Bryce Young-led offense for 'embarrassing' loss to Bears

"We're just not hitting on all cylinders right now. We're not hitting on any cylinders," veteran receiver Adam Thielen said after Carolina's 16-13 loss. "It's an embarrassing effort. I think everyone's just embarrassed, you know, put up what, six points on offense."

Young's tough sledding continued on Thursday night, as his 185-yard output marked the sixth time in eight games he's failed to eclipse the 205-yard passing mark. Young's 55.3 completion percentage against the Bears was his worst since his NFL debut in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons (52.6). 

Carolina's offense ranks third-worst in the NFL with 275.3 YPC. Of the nine games this season, the team has accounted for more than 243 passing yards just once. That game occurred in Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks when veteran Andy Dalton threw for 361 yards and two touchdowns in place of an injured Young. 

Carolina's loss marked the second time in the common draft era that a No. 1 overall rookie quarterback lost to an undrafted rookie free-agent quarterback, via NFL.com. Furthermore, the loss added to the whispers of uncertainty surrounding Young as a viable franchise signal-caller.  

Young's professional career remains in its infancy. The Alabama product still has time to change the negative narrative spreading across Charlotte. Nevertheless, the early returns have been less than formidable.

Following a five-touchdown performance in Week 9, Houston Texans rookie C.J. Stroud looks like the NFL's next big thing under center. Fellow draft classmates Will Levis and Anthony Richardson have flashed in limited opportunities. Meanwhile, Young — considered by many pundits to be among the class's most NFL-ready quarterbacks — looks the most like a fish out of water.