The NFL has produced an unexpected passing leaderboard through the first three weeks of the season, with only two quarterbacks reaching 900 or more passing yards.
Neither name is among the league’s usual superstar quarterbacks. Instead, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young and New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough have emerged as the only players to reach the milestone so far.
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Young leads the league
Young entered Week 3 tied for the NFL lead in passing touchdowns with six and ranked second in passing yards. Against the Cleveland Browns, he threw for 291 yards and one touchdown despite the Panthers’ 21-18 loss.
That performance pushed Young’s season total to 939 passing yards, giving him the league lead through three weeks.
Young suffered a lower-body injury during the game, although the nature of the injury has not been disclosed. Following the loss, Young insisted that the injury did not impact the outcome of the contest.
The Panthers are now 1-2 and will look to bounce back when they face the Detroit Lions in Week 4.
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Shough making an impact
Shough has also enjoyed an impressive start to his season, despite the Saints sitting at 1-2 after three games.
New Orleans suffered a 35-27 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3, but Shough delivered one of his strongest performances of the season. He completed the game with 255 passing yards and four touchdowns, bringing his season total to 917 passing yards.
The Saints will return home in Week 4 to take on the Atlanta Falcons.
Behind Young and Shough on the passing leaderboard is Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has recorded 872 passing yards through three weeks. Jordan Love, Patrick Mahomes and Jared Goff round out the group of quarterbacks who have surpassed 800 passing yards.
With the season still in its early stages, the passing race is wide open. For now, however, Young and Shough have put themselves at the top of a list that features some of the NFL’s biggest quarterback names just behind them.
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