Is Bryce Young Still the Future in Carolina?
Bryce Young’s Improvement
Since being benched in Week Two of the regular season, Bryce Young has shown notable improvement, posting a completion rate of 60.9%, averaging 213.1 yards per game, with an eight-six touchdown-to-interception ratio and a passer rating of 80%. Bryce Young's confidence continues to grow, although he still faces challenges with his poise in the pocket. After being sacked 62 times in a single season, concerns about the offensive line are understandable. The addition of Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis has provided significant support, contributing to improved protection. Their consistent performance, with weekly PFF grades of 71.1 and 74.6, has made a noticeable difference in stabilizing the offensive line.
Team Struggles Despite Individual Improvement
Despite these strides, the Carolina Panthers continue to fall short, even as they play at a high level. Over Weeks 12 through 14, they lost by a combined total of 12 points. These were competitive games against playoff-bound teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Philadelphia Eagles. Prior to their Week 11 bye, the Panthers were losing by an average margin of 23 points per game.
Bryce Young's Accountability and Leadership
How is Bryce Young handling his most recent performance? Following the Panthers' 30-14 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, quarterback Bryce Young took full responsibility for the team's defeat, citing four costly turnovers that resulted in touchdowns and field goals for the opposition. In his post-game interview, Young's demeanor mirrored that of his earlier interviews following losses to the Saints and Chargers earlier this season, as he appeared visibly frustrated and fidgety while answering questions. Although his body language suggested disappointment, his confidence appeared intact, which offered a positive takeaway from the situation. However, questions persist regarding whether he will learn from this setback and continue to grow or whether he will regress into the struggles that characterized both his rookie season and the early part of this year.
Long-Term Future in Carolina
Although Young's performance has improved significantly, culminating in his best stretch of football since being selected as the number one overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, his subpar outing against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14 has raised questions about his consistency moving forward. This loss has sparked debate about whether Young will revert to the form he displayed early in the season or maintain the progress he has made since being benched. His smaller stature, given his success at Alabama, makes it much easier to question if his being undersized will impact his longevity in the NFL. Given these developments, the question remains: is it time to hit the panic button on Bryce Young's future in Carolina?
The Panthers have struggled to find success since 2017, with their last franchise quarterback, Cam Newton, leading the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2015. Seven consecutive losing seasons are one reason why the panic button is being considered. Bryce Young’s rookie season was far from ideal, and although his second year started poorly, there is still significant work ahead if he hopes to win over the city, especially given the legacy of Cam Newton. Success in the NFL is never easy, but with the impatience of team owner David Tepper, the Panthers may be close to pressing that panic button.
