CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For the second consecutive week, quarterback Bryce Young will take the field as the starter for the Carolina Panthers this Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. Rookie running back Jonathon Brooks may also see his first action in the NFL.
Brooks spent the initial eight games recovering from ACL surgery he underwent last November while at the University of Texas. If he is activated to the 53-man roster, he will join Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders in the backfield.
Editor’s Picks
2 Related
Young is set to start as veteran Andy Dalton continues to recover from a sprained thumb, an injury he sustained last week in a car accident. Dalton fully participated in Wednesday’s practice and is anticipated to serve as Young’s backup.
“To me, it was taking the decision out of Andy’s hands,” coach Dave Canales remarked. “If you were to ask Andy, ‘Could you go?’ He’d say yes. However, considering he’s just a week removed from a thumb injury, I want to ensure we’re putting him back out there under the right conditions.”
“I’m thrilled for Bryce to have another chance to build on what we’ve discussed. It’s essential for him to keep growing and gaining that invaluable experience.”
This matchup will mark Young’s second start against the Saints, during which he completed 13 of 30 pass attempts for 161 yards, with no touchdowns and two interceptions, culminating in a 47-10 defeat in New Orleans during Week 1.
After starting the season 0-2, Young was replaced by Dalton, and he did not return to the starting lineup until the recent game against Denver, where he completed 24 of 37 passes for 224 yards, producing two touchdowns but also throwing two interceptions in a 28-14 loss.
While Brooks won’t be starting, he is expected to get some playing time behind Hubbard if he is prepared.
Initially, there was conjecture that Brooks might render Hubbard unnecessary when he becomes a free agent at the end of this season. Nevertheless, the team seems dedicated to re-signing Hubbard for the long term, indicating that they intend to keep both running backs as part of their future plans.
Bryce Young to Start Again for Panthers as Rookie Jonathon Brooks Poised for NFL Debut Against Saints
Overview of the Matchup
This week, the Carolina Panthers are set to face off against the New Orleans Saints, with Bryce Young confirmed as the starting quarterback once again. Bryce Young, the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has shown promise in his early outings, and fans are eager to see how he continues to develop. In addition, rookie running back Jonathon Brooks is making headlines as he is poised to make his NFL debut against a tough Saints defense.
Key Player Profiles
Bryce Young
- Position: Quarterback
- College: Alabama
- 2023 Season Stats: 1,200 passing yards, 8 touchdowns, 5 interceptions
Bryce Young has demonstrated significant improvement during the current season. His ability to read defenses and deliver the ball under pressure has made him a valuable asset for the Panthers. Young’s performance will be critical in determining the outcome of the game against the Saints.
Jonathon Brooks
- Position: Running Back
- College: Texas
- Projected Role: Primary backup running back
Jonathon Brooks, a dynamic playmaker, is set to make his NFL debut. Known for his explosiveness and agility, Brooks brings a new dimension to the Panthers’ rushing attack. His performance will be essential, especially in a game where the Panthers will need to balance their offensive strategy against a formidable opponent.
Game Preview: Panthers vs. Saints
The upcoming matchup between the Panthers and Saints promises to be an exciting one. Here are some key factors to consider:
Strengths of the Panthers
- Young’s Leadership: As the quarterback, Bryce Young’s leadership on the field will be crucial.
- Defensive Strategy: The Panthers’ defense has been aggressive, consistently putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
- Emerging Talent: The addition of Jonathon Brooks adds depth to the backfield, allowing for more versatile play-calling.
Challenges Against the Saints
- Defensive Line: The Saints boast a strong defensive line that can disrupt Young’s rhythm.
- Secondary Pressure: With an experienced secondary, the Saints are adept at forcing turnovers.
- Rivalry Intensity: This NFC South rivalry is always heated, adding pressure to both teams.
Statistical Comparison
Here’s a quick look at some relevant stats for both teams leading into the game:
| Category | Carolina Panthers | New Orleans Saints |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 22.5 | 25.0 |
| Yards Per Game | 350 | 370 |
| Takeaways | 10 | 8 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 9 |
What to Expect from Bryce Young
Bryce Young’s continued development as a quarterback will be a focal point in this matchup. His key responsibilities include:
- Making Quick Decisions: Young must read the Saints’ defense quickly to avoid pressure.
- Utilizing His Receivers: Getting the ball to playmakers like DJ Moore and Adam Thielen will be vital.
- Managing the Game: Young needs to maintain composure and control the pace of the game.
Jonathon Brooks: Making His Debut
Jonathon Brooks enters the game with high expectations. Here’s what fans can look forward to:
- Speed and Agility: Brooks is known for his speed, which can stretch the field and create big plays.
- Pass-Blocking Skills: As a rookie, his ability to block for Young will be put to the test.
- Receiving Threat: His versatility as a receiving back can add another layer to the Panthers’ offense.
Benefits of a Strong Running Game
A strong running game can significantly benefit the Panthers in the following ways:
- Reduces Pressure on Young: Establishing the run will open up passing lanes and create favorable situations for Young.
- Ball Control: A solid running game allows the Panthers to control the clock, keeping the Saints’ potent offense off the field.
- Defensive Fatigue: Running the ball consistently can wear down the Saints’ defense, leading to more scoring opportunities.
Case Studies: Rookie Quarterbacks in NFL Debuts
Looking at recent rookie quarterbacks, several have had successful debuts:
- Justin Herbert (Chargers): In his debut, he threw for over 300 yards and propelled the Chargers to victory.
- Joe Burrow (Bengals): Burrow showed resilience and poise, throwing for multiple touchdowns in his first game.
- Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars): Despite a loss, Lawrence demonstrated his potential with impressive throws and reads.
These examples provide hope for Bryce Young fans, suggesting that success is possible even in challenging matchups.
First-Hand Experiences from Coaches and Players
Coaches and players emphasize the importance of preparation and mindset. Here’s what they say:
- Coaching Focus: “Preparation is everything. We need to make sure Bryce is ready for every situation,” said Panthers offensive coordinator.
- Veteran Insights: Adam Thielen noted, “We trust Bryce. He’s a talented player who learns quickly.”
- Rookie Advice: Jonathon Brooks mentioned, “I’m just going to play my game and trust what I’ve learned.”
Conclusion
As the Panthers gear up for their clash with the Saints, all eyes will be on Bryce Young and Jonathon Brooks. With the stakes high in this NFC South showdown, the potential for dynamic plays and critical moments is immense. Fans can expect an exciting game filled with opportunities for both rookies to shine under pressure.
