Bryce Young’s painful NFL start continues as Carolina Panthers worry grows
Bryce Young was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers – but the quarterback’s career has got off to a tough start in the league
Bryce Young, the second-year quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, is having another shaky start to his NFL season.
Despite being the No.1 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, Young has only managed two wins in his first 17 NFL starts. His latest display as Carolina’s franchise QB was marked by an interception on his first pass against the New Orleans Saints, intended for Diontae Johnson.
The inaccurate pass was intercepted by Will Harris and returned to the opposing 40-yard line. This turnover led to a successful field goal attempt for the Saints, who quickly took a 10-0 lead within the first five minutes of play.
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The Panthers’ subsequent two drives ended in punts, followed by a fumble from Jonathan Mingo, which the Saints capitalised on with more points. They kicked a goal for a 23-0 lead, effectively sealing the game’s outcome.
After punting on the next drive, Young completed five passes with 10 yards to finally get the Panthers some points with a field goal. However, his second interception came immediately after when he tried to connect with Adam Thielen on another deep ball.
Young finished the game with a completion rate of just 43.3 per cent, including 161 yards. His passer rating of 32.8 and a QBR of 10.5 were among the worst for quarterbacks in Week 1, leading fans and analysts to question whether he is ready to be a franchise quarterback.
Ex-Washington Commanders coach Jay Gruden wasn’t shy about giving his take on Bryce Young’s game, unimpressed with the former top pick. “My problem with Bryce is that he looks small, he plays small, his arm talent does not show up on tape, and his decision-making hasn’t been great,” he said.
Gruden went on to point out the impact of lacking a top-tier tight end on Young’s progression, saying: “He’s not a good enough quarterback to create independently and carry a team. I have not seen anything that warrants him being a starting quarterback in the NFL.”
Pro Football Focus has listed the Panther’s key squads – the O-line, D-line and receivers – at a middling 20th place out of 32 teams in the NFL. Adding to woes, key pass catchers Johnson and Xavier Legette managed a paltry combined haul of just 54 yards.
Even Young himself acknowledged falling short in post-game comments to reporters, stating: “For me, looking in the mirror first, we all have that mindset of wanting to be better. You look at plays that could be executed better. You have to learn from them.”
The Carolina fan base grows increasingly agitated as Rookie of the Year CJ Stroud makes strides, especially considering the Panthers picked Young over Stroud, Colts’ hopeful Anthony Richardson, and Titans sharpshooter Will Levis.
