Bryce Young, the top pick in the previous year’s NFL draft, was seen as the most promising prospect despite his small size. However, he faced challenges as a rookie along with his team, the Carolina Panthers, who had the worst record in the league. Steve Smith Sr., a former NFL player turned analyst, suggested that Young’s difficulties were more due to the circumstances in Carolina rather than his own abilities, as reported by RG3 and The Ones. Smith expressed that even a talented individual can appear unsuccessful if they are in an unfavorable environment.
Quarterback Bryce Young, despite being the top pick in the NFL draft last year, struggled in his rookie season with the Carolina Panthers. Former NFL player Steve Smith Sr. believes Young’s difficulties were more due to the unfavorable situation in Carolina rather than his own abilities. Smith emphasized the importance for rookie quarterbacks to have a strong supporting cast and coaching staff for their development. Young’s underwhelming stats in 2023 were contrasted with his impressive college career at the University of Alabama. The Panthers lacked viable skill players and coaching, with their head coach being fired mid-season. In comparison, the Houston Texans’ QB C.J. Stroud had a successful season, further highlighting the impact of team dynamics on a player’s performance. Despite Young’s debut struggles, Smith remains optimistic about his potential, noting his exceptional processing speed as a valuable asset.
