The journey of Bryce Young in the NFL has been nothing short of challenging. Drafted as the first overall pick by the Carolina Panthers, expectations were sky-high from the get-go. However, Young’s debut season in the league was marked by difficulties, ending with a disappointing 2-15 record.
His stats, including 2,877 passing yards, 11 touchdowns against 10 interceptions, and a passer rating of 73.7, reflect a rookie season riddled with trials.
The pressure was only amplified by the stellar performance of C.J. Stroud, the No. 2 pick, who showcased one of the best rookie seasons ever with the Houston Texans. This juxtaposition added to the scrutiny on Young, who now faces the monumental task of bouncing back in his second year.
Valuable Advice from a Carolina Panthers Legend
Amid these challenges, advice has come from an iconic figure in Panthers history—Cam Newton. Newton’s perspective is invaluable, given his own experiences and triumphs in the league. In a conversation on Club Shay Shay with Shannon Sharpe, Newton highlighted the importance of communication between a quarterback and his coaching staff.
“I think he needs to understand that voicing his opinion is important,” Newton explained. He emphasized the necessity for Bryce Young to engage more assertively with his coaches, stating, “Game on the line 3rd-and-4, 3rd-and-8, got-to-have-it situation. Who would you prefer to throw the football to? So, the game’s on the line, or going into the season, what do you need to be successful?’ He needs to have those answers for that.”
Newton’s advice underscores the need for Bryce Young to not only be vocal behind the scenes but also to ensure he has the tools and understanding required to excel under pressure.
well damn.. Bryce Young, DK Metcalf, and team actually won this tournament pic.twitter.com/F6P4Qk3Tdv
— =͟͟͞Blande (@JustBlande) April 10, 2024
Carolina Panthers’ Efforts to Support Bryce Young
Recognizing the challenges their young quarterback faced, the Carolina Panthers have taken significant steps to fortify the team around Bryce Young. This offseason, the team welcomed Dave Canales, a renowned quarterback guru, as their new head coach.
Additionally, the Carolina Panthers have bolstered their receiving corps by trading for Diontae Johnson, who joins forces with Adam Thielen and Jonathan Mingo, creating a promising group of targets for Young.
Despite these positive changes, the core challenge for Bryce Young remains. He needs to improve his delivery and play-making abilities, especially considering the struggles of the offensive line and the limited arsenal at his disposal last season.
Year Two, Bryce Young’s Breakout?
As Bryce Young enters his second NFL season, the expectations are clear: it’s time to step up. With the advice of Cam Newton, a revamped support cast, and a year of experience under his belt, Bryce Young is poised for a potential breakthrough. The coming season will be pivotal in determining whether he can overcome his rookie struggles and fulfill the promise that made him the first overall pick.
The Carolina Panthers and their fans are eager to see if Bryce Young can turn the page and lead the team to new heights. Will 2024 be the year he takes a significant step forward? Only time will tell, but the stage is set for a remarkable comeback story in the making.
Sources: NFL Analysis
