How Did the Carolina Panthers Franchise Quarterback Improve?
Bryce Young has finally begun to turn a corner in his career. Young struggled in Carolina early, drawing bust allegations after just two seasons. In the middle of his rookie year, his head coach was fired, and the rest of the staff followed in the offseason. Stability is one of the most important factors in developing quarterbacks, and losing that foundation so early was a massive blow to his growth. Now entering Year Three, Young appears to be finding his stride under head coach Dave Canales. Let’s take a look at where he has improved and how that progress has impacted the Panthers’ ability to win.
Operating Under Pressure
In college, Young built a reputation for making plays with his legs when the pocket collapsed, often turning broken plays into highlights. In the NFL, that ability initially all but disappeared. The league is filled with elite athletes who dramatically increase the speed of the game, and it was evident during Young’s rookie season that he had not yet adjusted to that pace; the result was a difficult first year. That pressure was not solely Young’s fault. The Panthers hamstrung themselves by giving up a massive haul to draft the former Heisman winner, leaving the roster thin around him. Without the necessary protection and support, Young was sacked 62 times as a rookie. Ironically, that lack of protection may have forged his greatest strength. Young has become calm and composed under pressure, unfazed by collapsing pockets. With growing confidence, he is now willing to escape and run when necessary or deliver throws on the move, a sign of renewed trust in his instincts.
Throwing Accuracy
Despite his poor statistical output as a rookie, Young was asked to shoulder a heavy passing workload. In Year Three, with fewer attempts, he delivered his most efficient and accurate season as a professional. He finished with a 63 percent completion rate and averaged 9.9 yards per completion. The results were especially clear late in the year. In high-pressure moments when Carolina needed a play, the offense flowed through Young. That confidence is a stark contrast from his second season, when Canales briefly benched him, and it highlights how much their relationship and Young’s command of the offense have grown.
The Front Office
The Panthers’ front office also deserves credit for Young’s development, particularly general manager Dan Morgan. Over the past two years, Morgan has aggressively addressed roster weaknesses through free agency and the draft. Ahead of Young’s second season, Carolina invested heavily in the offensive line, signing two veteran guards to long-term deals. He continued his commitment to Young in the draft. Trading up to draft Xavier Legette in 2024, and using the eighth pick in 2025 to pick up Tetairoa McMillian. Not every receiver pick-up has panned out for the Panthers, but that’s not from lack of trying. You can’t hit on every pick, but the 2025 draft was a masterclass from Morgan. It’s clear that the front office is committed to Young long-term, and I’m excited to see what they do in the 2026 draft and free agency.
