Can the Panthers Franchise QB Build off His Best Pro Season?
Bryce Young is coming off his best season as a pro. Young has been the subject of bust allegations, as the Panthers drafted him with the first overall pick in 2023. Despite struggling through two seasons, Young seems be finally finding his stride. Under head coach Dave Canales, Young has flourished and is looking to take another step next year.
The Young Chronicles in Carolina
Young struggled mightily to get his career started. The front office did him no favors, assigning him to a lackluster team. Young finished his rookie season with 2,877 passing yards, 315 completions, and 11 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. The offense lacked serious talent in every position, particularly the offensive line. Young was sacked 62 times, placing him at second worst in the league. The season came to a head when the Panthers decided to fire head coach Frank Reich mid-season.
Coming into his sophomore season, the Panthers made huge changes in the offseason. Starting off, they signed Dave Canales to be their head coach, an offensive-minded coach with a reputation for rehabilitating quarterbacks. The Panthers also spent big on building their offensive line. The struggles continued into year two, culminating in Young being benched mid-season. Young then hit a hot streak to end the season, showing the potential that one day earned him a Heisman, and the talent worthy of a first overall pick.
Big in the Clutch
Young slowly improved at handling pressure in big-time situations, and it showed. His first prominent clutch play came in Week 11, when he made a big effort to beat the Falcons in overtime. His next big play was in Week 13, when Young led the Panthers to a comeback victory and a clutch first-down throw to end the game. The former Heisman winner has also improved his deep ball significantly. Finishing the year with 46 attempts to 23 completions, 698 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions. A far cry from where he had come from in previous seasons.
Rushing Upside
Towards the end of the season, we got to see Canales begin to call designed runs for Young. While this isn’t his best rushing season, it was his most impactful. Finishing with 240 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. With his increased rushing, we also saw an improved scrambling game. Historically, Young has been bad under pressure and on the move, but as shown some elite elusiveness this year. With multiple injuries to the offensive line, teams were not afraid to blitz the Panthers. Young still has more improvement to make in this department. Finishing with seven fumbles on the year, ball security has become a massive issue.
