The Carolina Panthers should not freak out over Bryce Young just yet. His first season was marred by disarray due to a lacklustre run game, an offensive line that was unable to sustain pressure, a receiving corps that was unable to get open, and a coaching staff that was unable to come to an agreement. Not only that, but six games into the season, he witnessed the firing of his head coach.
Due in large part to his outstanding work with Baker Mayfield and Geno Smith during the previous two seasons in Seattle and Tampa Bay, Dave Canales was appointed head coach of the team. They think Canales can help Young get back on track and eventually develop into one of the league’s best quarterbacks.
The fear of failure looms over Carolina if the duo of Canales and Young doesn’t pan out as hoped. There is reluctance to entertain the possibility of things going wrong, but the team must consider the potential consequences if they do. If the Panthers have a poor season with only four to six wins, they will likely have a high draft pick and may be compelled to select a new quarterback if Young underperforms again. While some may argue for moving on from Young after two seasons, it seems premature to do so given the investment Carolina made in him and the challenges he has faced with a new coaching staff and system. This season could be seen as a fresh start for Young, akin to a second rookie year.
Regardless of the record, Young’s best course of action is to improve the play of those around him and make sure that this conversation is never conducted at the end of the season. The Panthers’ potential top five or top ten pick in 2025 does not imply that quarterback play was the main problem. It can be a defence that retreated, a lack of a run game, or inconsistent play at wide receiver.
Bryce Young is one issue the Panthers can’t afford to still be facing at the end of 2024.
