Bryce Young has finally started living up to the expectations that the NFL had for him when he was selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft. After a rough start to the season that saw him benched after just two games, Young has shown significant improvement since returning to the Carolina Panthers’ starting lineup five weeks ago.
In his past five games, Young has completed 60.4 percent of his passes for 1,082 yards, six touchdowns, three interceptions, and an 83.5 passer rating. He has also added 82 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown to his stat line. While these numbers may not be eye-popping, they demonstrate his efficiency and progress on the field.
One of the key factors contributing to Young’s improvement has been his comfort in the pocket. According to a coach who recently faced the Panthers, Young’s confidence and poise under pressure have been noticeable and have served as a launching point for his development.
Despite the Panthers still having roster deficiencies and being in contention for the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft, Young’s resurgence has been a bright spot for the team. His return to the field was unexpected, as it came after veteran Andy Dalton was sidelined due to injury. Since reclaiming his starting role, Young has displayed resilience and leadership, leading the Panthers to close victories and competitive performances against tough opponents.
Young’s struggles earlier in the season can be attributed to a variety of factors, including a lack of protection from the offensive line and adjustments to new coaching staff and offensive schemes. However, as the chaos has settled in Carolina, Young has shown more confidence and rapport with his teammates, resulting in improved play on the field.
Moving forward, Young’s progress will be crucial for the Panthers as they look to build a competitive team around their young quarterback. With his recent performances, it is evident that Young has the talent and potential to succeed in the NFL. As he continues to grow and develop, the Panthers will be hopeful that he can lead them to success in the future.
