The USFL Paxton Lynch experience has finally happened. After weeks of backing up Shea Patterson, and fighting through injuries, the former 2016 1st round pick was finally able to shine this weekend in the Panthers win against the Maulers. This past weekend Paxton Lynch was able to use his Week 10 start in the USFL Finale and throw for 275 yards, 3 Touchdowns, while adding 19 rushing yards enroute to winning the USFL Offensive Player of the Week.
Lynch’s journey to the Panthers has seen several ups and downs throughout his career. Originally Drafted by the Broncos in 2016 as the 26th overall pick, Lynch only last three seasons before getting released after the 2018, preseason. Lynch would spend all of 2018 out of football, until signing with the Seahawks in 2019. Lynch would get cut by Seahawks after the 2019 preseason and then have stints with the Steelers and Saskatchewan Roughriders before being drafted in the 12th round of the 2022 inaugural USFL Draft by the Michigan Panthers.
Lynch would enter camp as the backup to the number one overall pick Shea Patterson. After several rocky starts by Patterson, Lynch would be pressed into the starting line-up before an injury to Lynch allowed for Patterson to return as QB1. Lynch would then start once again for the Panthers in week 8 where he would throw for 251 yards and 2 touchdowns while rushing for another score. Lynch would spend week 9 on the inactive roster before his magnificent week 10 performance. A performance that his best game as a pro to date.
Overall, Lynch ends 2022 throwing for 550 Yards 5 touchdowns 4 interceptions, while rushing for 74 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns. Lynch’s performance moving forward sprung the Panthers in prime position for 2023 as they now have the first overall pick in the 2023 USFL draft. While it’s unknown what Lynch’s status will be with the Panthers and the USFL in the future, we as Panthers fans will always remember the day that Paxton Lynch came out against the Maulers and threw for 3 touchdowns during the inaugural 2022 regular season finale.
