Bryce Young entered the NFL as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, burdened with immense expectations as the potential savior for the Carolina Panthers franchise.
His decorated collegiate career at Alabama, culminating in a Heisman Trophy, showcased an “it” factor, exceptional football IQ, and a knack for thriving under pressure. However, his rookie season in 2023 was a stark reminder of the harsh realities of the NFL.
The Maturation of Bryce Young: From Top Pick to Franchise Anchor
The Tumultuous Rookie Season
Young’s first year was characterized by significant struggles. He finished with 2,877 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, along with 253 rushing yards and no rushing touchdowns. He was sacked a league-leading 62 times.
Many observers attributed his difficulties to a combination of a challenging offensive line, a relatively weak supporting cast of receivers, and the inherent difficulties of transitioning to the professional game. Despite this, Young’s inherent talents, including his ability to create plays when the pocket collapsed and his unflappable demeanor, were still evident.
Early Season Struggles and Benching (2024)
The 2024 season began with renewed hope, but Young’s performance continued to be inconsistent. He struggled with accuracy and overall effectiveness, leading to a benching after Week 2. His stats through those early games were concerning, placing him near the bottom of the league in several key categories.
Many analysts questioned whether the Panthers had made the right choice, with some even speculating about Young’s long-term future in Carolina. During this period, veteran quarterback Andy Dalton stepped in and provided a crucial learning opportunity for Young, demonstrating what was required of an NFL starter both on and off the field.
The Resurgence and Late-Season Surge (2024)
Following his benching, a turning point emerged for Young and the Panthers. After reclaiming the starting role in Week 8 due to an injury to Dalton, Young began to show significant improvement. Over the final 10 games, he demonstrated a willingness to push the ball downfield and into tighter windows, a departure from his more conservative approach earlier in the season.
This newfound aggression and confidence paid off, as he posted an 86.1 passing grade and ranked second in the league with 24 “big time throws” from Week 9 through Week 18. A particularly impressive stretch over the final three games saw him throw for seven touchdowns and no interceptions, adding three rushing touchdowns.
He showed a remarkable ability to deliver catchable balls on deep throws (20+ air yards), with a 60 percent catchable ball rate ranking 10th in the NFL without pressure. This late-season surge sparked optimism about Young’s potential and his ability to lead the Panthers’ offense.
Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond
Entering the 2025 season, Young has regained the starting role and is seen as the cornerstone of the Panthers’ rebuild. The organization has emphasized offensive continuity, a key factor in Young’s continued development. He is expected to receive significant playing time during the preseason, further solidifying his position and allowing him to build upon the foundation laid in the previous season.
While concerns about his size and occasional lapses in accuracy persist, Young’s mental toughness, leadership, and playmaking ability, particularly in clutch situations, are undeniable assets. He demonstrated a strong sense of team leadership and communication during the mandatory mini-camp, further cementing his place as the Panthers’ franchise quarterback.
Up next for Young and Carolina is their second preseason game of the season, against C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans Saturday. There’s no doubt that Young will want to outplay Stroud, the quarterback that was selected right after him in the 2023 NFL Draft. The 2025 season is pivotal for Young to prove that his late-season breakthrough was not a fluke but a sign of genuine growth and potential. If he continues to develop and improve, the Panthers could emerge as a legitimate contender in the NFC South.
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