The Panthers Sticking With Bryce Young Has Paid Off

I believe that even the most optimistic Carolina Panthers fan had their doubts about Bryce Young after the 2020 NFL season. The former first-overall pick went 2-14, throwing for 2,877 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions as a rookie. His sophomore season wasn’t much better, as he went 4-8 with 2,403 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. After losing the first two games of the season, he was benched in favor of Andy Dalton, and at that moment, it seemed he was destined to be a bust. 

Last season, he finally proved he could be Carolina’s long-term starter. While his record wasn’t great, just 8-8, he took major strides as a player, throwing for 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. The Panthers made the playoffs at 8-9 thanks to a mediocre decision. He went toe-to-toe with NFL MVP Matthew Stafford in the playoffs. Young went 21 of 40 for 264 yards, one touchdown, and one interception while adding 24 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Ultimately, the Panthers lost 34-31, but he showed he could hang with the best players in the league.   

This season, the Panthers are 1-1, but Young has played extremely well. In week one, Carolina lost 59-37, but Young lit it up, passing for 361 yards and three touchdowns while adding another score on the ground. This week, the Panthers dominated the Atlanta Falcons, 34-3. Young once again looked excellent, throwing for 287 yards and three touchdowns and finishing with a QB rating of 116.3.  That brings his season totals to 648 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception. 

The Panthers should be commended for their patience with their franchise quarterback. It feels like we’re in an age of instant gratification at quarterback, but we forget that some of the all-time greats took a couple of seasons to develop. Peyton Manning famously went 3-13 in his first season and threw 28 interceptions, a rookie record. Those mistakes helped him become the legend he is today. 

Similarly, I believe that Young’s early struggles have allowed him to grow into a solid quarterback. Carolina didn’t give up on him, and they are being rewarded as a result. So if you’re a fan of a team with a young quarterback who isn’t playing as well as you hoped, just remember sometimes it takes a couple of seasons for them to reach their potential.

source https://www.mensjournal.com/sports/the-panthers-sticking-with-bryce-young-has-paid-off