Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young experienced significant challenges during his rookie season, culminating in the mid-season firing of head coach Frank Reich. Young, selected as the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, struggled with various aspects of his game throughout the year. A detailed report by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Turron Davenport highlights the difficulties Young faced and the habits he reportedly developed under Reich’s coaching staff.
The report indicates that Young’s footwork, fundamentals, and overall preparation suffered during his first year in the league. Behind a struggling offensive line that allowed a staggering 62 sacks, Young averaged approximately 33 passing attempts per game. This performance made him the second-most sacked quarterback in the NFL for the 2023 season.
Statistically, Young’s debut season was marked by difficulties. He finished with a 73.7 passer rating, the lowest among qualified quarterbacks, and a 59.8% completion percentage, ranking him 31st out of 32 players. These figures reflect the steep learning curve he faced as he transitioned from college football to the professional level.
In January 2024, the Panthers made a significant organizational change by hiring former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales as Reich’s replacement. Canales’s tenure began with challenges, including benching Young after a couple of underwhelming performances. Young’s struggles prompted reflection from Reich, who noted, “Learning the pro game… defenses are a lot better. There are no easy games.” He emphasized that success in the NFL requires both great quarterback play and a strong defense.
Despite the setbacks, Young earned respect from his teammates and coaches for his attitude and resilience during his benching. His opportunity to shine came when then-starter Andy Dalton suffered a thumb injury in a car accident last October, leading to Young starting the final 10 games of the season.
In those games, Young completed 61.8% of his passes, amassing 2,104 yards, with 15 touchdowns and just six interceptions. He also contributed with his legs, rushing for 223 yards and five touchdowns, helping the Panthers secure four wins in their last ten contests.
Looking ahead, Young’s working relationships with Canales and offensive coordinator Brad Idzik appear to be improving. The young quarterback now has the opportunity to build on his late-season performance as the Panthers prepare for the upcoming season. They will kick off their campaign with a matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 7, 2024.
As Young continues to adapt to the rigors of professional football, the Panthers remain hopeful that his development will yield a stronger performance in the coming season.
