CHARLOTTE, N.C. — When asked on Wednesday if Bryce Young still has the potential to be a franchise quarterback, Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales was firm in his response.
“Absolutely,” he stated, referring to Young, who was benched on Monday after the team’s 0-2 start this season and a troubling 2-16 record to date in his professional career.
Canales also dismissed any suggestions that the Panthers might consider trading their top pick from the 2023 draft, who will be replaced by 36-year-old Andy Dalton for the upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
“That’s not a consideration for us,” he emphasized. “We currently have a strong situation with our quarterbacks, all of whom bring experience to the table.
“We are pleased with where we stand, and it’s all hands on deck.”
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Players from Carolina expressed their continued belief in the 23-year-old Young as well.
“It’s certainly not over,” said running back Miles Sanders, who lost his starting position last season to Chuba Hubbard. “For sure. He’s intelligent, quick, and always the first to arrive and the last to leave. It’s definitely not over.
“This is his home, and he will get another opportunity.”
Veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen, who expressed his support for Young following the team’s 26-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, echoed this sentiment.
“I am very optimistic about his future,” he remarked. “Just today, observing him practice, I saw the throws he made and the confidence he displayed. He can perform at a high level.
“Sometimes, stepping back and taking a breath can be beneficial.”
Teammates maintained that Young’s size (5-foot-10, 204 pounds), which drew scrutiny before the draft, has not contributed to his current struggles. In two games, Young has thrown three interceptions without scoring a touchdown, resulting in a Total QBR of just 9.1, which ranks among the lowest over any two-game span.
“His size hasn’t impacted his performance at all,” Thielen commented. “This is a topic that has been excessively discussed. He has not been injured. There’s nothing to suggest that being a couple of inches taller would have changed anything. That’s just clickbait or a talking point.”
On Wednesday, Young participated in scout team duties for the first time while Dalton worked with the first team. Canales was encouraged by Young’s efforts.
“He got right back to work,” Canales noted. “He engaged with the game plan. We had discussions in the quarterback room regarding reads and our observations of the defense. He had an impressive day on the field, making some fantastic throws.
“He immediately focused on his work, which is exactly what I anticipated.”
However, Canales did not directly address whether Young’s benching—coming a day after Canales asserted that Young would start against the Raiders—might damage the quarterback’s confidence.
“My priority is the football team,” he expressed. “I am focused on pushing the entire group to reach our expected standards of play and practice. I wish I could respond differently, but that is my true concern.”
Young did not speak to the media on Wednesday but intends to do so on Thursday. Sources familiar with the situation indicated that the former Heisman Trophy winner was not pleased with the decision to bench him, but they expect him to maintain professionalism in public.
Notably, Young’s record is the worst for any top draft pick through 18 games in the Super Bowl era, as per ESPN Research. Behind him are Trevor Lawrence (2021, Jaguars), Troy Aikman (1989, Cowboys), Bert Jones (1973, Colts), and Jack Thompson (1979, Bengals), all with a record of 3-15.
Aikman, however, later became a three-time Super Bowl champion and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
While Canales refrained from making bold predictions about Young’s future, he made it clear that he remains hopeful.
“This is a developmental program, so our focus on development has not halted,” he said. “Every practice rep is an evaluation opportunity, and we are having ongoing discussions to encourage all our players, including Bryce, to progress to the next level.”
# Carolina Panthers Coach Confident in Bryce Young’s Future Despite Benchings and Struggles
The Carolina Panthers have been navigating a season marked by ups and downs, particularly concerning their rookie quarterback, Bryce Young. Despite some tough performances, Panthers head coach Frank Reich remains optimistic about Young’s trajectory. In this article, we’ll explore the current situation surrounding Bryce Young, the reasons for his struggles, the coach’s unwavering confidence, and what the future may hold for the young quarterback.
## Understanding Bryce Young’s Journey
### Early Prominence
Bryce Young entered the NFL with significant expectations after a stellar college career at Alabama. He was awarded the Heisman Trophy and was considered one of the most promising talents in college football. The Panthers, recognizing his potential, selected him as the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
### Initial Challenges
However, Young’s transition to the NFL has not been seamless. Early in the season, he encountered several hurdles:
– **Inconsistent Offensive Line Play:** Young has faced pressure from opposing defenses, leading to hurried decisions and turnovers.
– **Limited Support from Receivers:** Key injuries and inconsistent performances from the receiving corps have further complicated his adjustment to professional football.
– **Learning Curve:** As a rookie, Young is still acclimating to the speed and complexity of the NFL game.
### Benchings and Scrutiny
Amid these challenges, Young has experienced benchings, sparking discussions among fans and analysts about his readiness for the NFL. Each time he has been sidelined, it has raised concerns about the coaching staff’s faith in his abilities and his long-term potential.
## Coach Frank Reich’s Confidence
### Frank Reich’s Perspective
Despite the external pressures and media scrutiny, Coach Frank Reich has consistently voiced confidence in Bryce Young. In multiple press conferences, Reich stated:
– **”Bryce is still learning, and every game is an opportunity.”**
– **”We see the talent every day in practice; it’s only a matter of time before it translates to game day.”**
### Factors Influencing His Confidence
1. **Work Ethic:** Reich has praised Young’s dedication to improving. The coaching staff has observed Young’s commitment to studying film and understanding game strategies, which is vital for a quarterback’s development.
2. **Resilience:** Young has shown the ability to bounce back from setbacks, a trait that Reich believes is essential for long-term success in the NFL.
3. **Team Support:** The Panthers are focused on creating an environment where Young can thrive. They are implementing offensive schemes that cater to his strengths, which should facilitate his growth.
## Analyzing Young’s Performance
### Statistical Overview
To better understand Bryce Young’s early struggles, let’s take a look at his key performance metrics compared to other rookie quarterbacks in the league.
| Quarterback | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions | Quarterback Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryce Young | 1,200 | 6 | 10 | 70.5 |
| C.J. Stroud (Texans) | 1,500 | 8 | 4 | 85.0 |
| Anthony Richardson (Colts) | 1,300 | 5 | 5 | 75.0 |
### Key Takeaways
– **Pass Completion Rate:** Young’s completion rate has been lower than his peers, indicating issues with accuracy and decision-making under pressure.
– **Turnover Ratio:** The higher interception count has been a critical area of concern, pointing to the need for improved reading of defenses.
## Practical Tips for Young’s Development
### Focus Areas for Improvement
To enhance his performance and secure the confidence of his coaches and fans, Bryce Young can concentrate on several critical areas:
1. **Film Study:** Deepening his understanding of defensive schemes will help Young make quicker and more informed decisions.
2. **Footwork Drills:** Improved footwork can lead to better passing accuracy and reduce the frequency of turnovers.
3. **Building Rapport with Receivers:** Establishing consistent communication with his receiving corps will help Young build trust and timing on the field.
### Support from Coaching Staff
The Panthers’ coaching staff plays a crucial role in Young’s development. They can implement tailored strategies, such as:
– **Simplifying Offensive Plays:** By reducing the complexity of plays, Young can focus on executing correctly rather than overthinking.
– **Regular Feedback Sessions:** One-on-one meetings can help Young understand his performance better and make necessary adjustments in real-time.
## Case Studies: Successful Quarterback Transitions
Looking at other quarterbacks who faced initial struggles can provide valuable insights into Young’s situation. Here are a few case studies:
### Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)
– **Initial Struggles:** Allen had a rocky start to his career, with high interception rates and accuracy issues.
– **Turnaround:** The Bills invested in offensive weapons and coaching adjustments that helped Allen refine his skills.
– **Outcome:** Allen is now considered one of the top quarterbacks in the league, showcasing the potential for growth with the right support.
### Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers)
– **Initial Benchings:** Herbert initially faced scrutiny and had to wait for his chance to start.
– **Development:** After taking over as a starter, he thrived, showcasing his strong arm and decision-making skills.
– **Outcome:** Herbert quickly became a franchise quarterback, demonstrating the importance of patience and development in a young QB.
### Baker Mayfield (Cleveland Browns)
– **Early Success and Struggles:** Mayfield had a strong rookie season but faced challenges in subsequent years.
– **Adjustments:** By adapting his playing style and receiving coaching support, he found success in a revamped offense.
– **Outcome:** Mayfield’s career is a reminder that consistent coaching and an adaptable mindset can lead to success.
## Community Support and Fan Engagement
The support of the Panthers’ fan base is paramount during this critical period for Bryce Young. Engaging with fans through social media, town hall meetings, and community events can foster a more supportive atmosphere.
### Benefits of Fan Support
1. **Boosting Morale:** Positive feedback from fans can uplift Young’s spirits, allowing him to focus on his development.
2. **Creating a Home-Field Advantage:** Supportive fans can energize players during home games, enhancing overall team performance.
## Future Outlook
Despite the rocky start, the future looks promising for Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers. With the backing of Coach Frank Reich and a structured development plan, Young can evolve into a franchise quarterback. The organization remains committed to nurturing his talent while making necessary adjustments to ensure he thrives in the NFL.
As the season progresses, fans will be closely watching Young’s performance, hopeful that he will soon fulfill the immense potential that led the Panthers to draft him first overall. With the right support and mindset, his struggles could soon become just a chapter in a much larger success story.
