After a challenging rookie season in 2023, Bryce Young is beginning to show why the Carolina Panthers selected him as the No. 1 overall pick. While his first year in the NFL was filled with growing pains, his performance in the latter half of the 2024 season signals a resurgence that has Panthers fans excited about the future. With an improved supporting cast, a more stable coaching environment, and a mature approach to the game, Young is quickly silencing any doubts about his ability to lead an NFL team.
Bryce Young entered the league as one of the most highly-touted quarterback prospects in recent memory. After a stellar college career at Alabama, where he won the Heisman Trophy and led the Crimson Tide to national prominence, the Panthers bet their future on the young signal-caller. However, his rookie year in 2023 was less than ideal.
Struggling behind a porous offensive line and lacking consistent playmakers, Young was often forced to deal with immense pressure from opposing defenses. His first season was marked by flashes of brilliance, but also frequent turnovers and long periods of inconsistency. By the end of the year, critics questioned whether the undersized quarterback could adjust to the physicality and speed of the NFL game.
A major factor in Young’s resurgence has been the improved play of the Panthers’ offensive line. In 2023, the offensive line was one of the weakest in the NFL, constantly underperforming in both pass protection and run blocking. However, the Panthers made significant moves in the offseason to bolster their offensive line, bringing in new talent and solidifying key positions. The result has been more time for Young in the pocket and fewer forced throws under duress.
With better protection, Young has had the opportunity to read defenses more thoroughly, allowing him to make better decisions. The improved line has also helped reduce the number of sacks he takes, providing him with a more stable pocket to work from.
Another key reason for Young’s improved performance is the upgrade in the Panthers' skill positions. In 2023, Young had to deal with a limited group of receivers and a lack of consistency at the tight end position. This year, however, the Panthers made a concerted effort to surround Young with more weapons.
The addition of veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen, along with rookies Ja’tavion Sanders, Xavier Legette, and Jalen Coker, has given Young a more dynamic receiving corps. Having better weapons at his disposal has allowed Young to diversify his offensive approach, making him more difficult to defend.
Another important element in Young’s resurgence is the stability provided by the Panthers’ coaching staff. In 2023, Young was thrust into a new system with a first-year head coach and a new offensive coordinator. The lack of continuity and uncertainty surrounding the coaching staff made it difficult for Young to build consistency.
This year under the guidance of head coach Dave Canales and offensive coordinator Brad Idzik, Young has been able to grow in a more structured environment. Canales and Idzik’s experience nurturing quarterbacks was a big factor in their initial hiring and that appears to be providing a return on the Panthers' investment into Young.
Perhaps the most significant change in Young’s game has been the maturity and poise he’s shown in the pocket. As a rookie, he often appeared to be under pressure, sometimes forcing throws or making uncharacteristic mistakes. But in his second season, Young has shown a much more refined approach and an advanced ability to make plays off-script.
His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions has improved significantly. Whether he’s scanning the field for the best option or escaping the pocket to extend a play, Young now exudes the confidence and calm of a quarterback who has learned from his past mistakes. His leadership on the field is evident, and his maturity has allowed him to make better decisions under pressure.
Bryce Young’s resurgence is a testament to the importance of patience, proper development, and surrounding a young quarterback with the right pieces. After a rocky start, Young is beginning to fulfill the promise he showed in college, and with an improved offensive line, better supporting talent, and a stable coaching environment, he’s poised to become one of the NFL’s most exciting quarterbacks.
The future looks bright for both Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers, and if his upward trajectory continues, Young could soon be leading the team to its next great era of success.
