Bryce Young’s season debut with the Carolina Panthers did not go as planned, highlighting ongoing challenges for the young quarterback. In a game that ended with a 26-10 loss against the Atlanta Falcons, Young’s performance raised concerns as he recorded four turnovers, including two interceptions and a fumble, contributing to the team’s third consecutive defeat in a season opener.
Young’s struggles have been a recurring theme. He’s thrown seven career turnovers and just two TD passes over his first three Week 1 starts. This poor play only added to the growing criticism of the former first-round draft pick and the offensive tackle was visibly upset during Sunday’s clash. Upon an incomplete fourth-and-1 pass try, Young reacted by throwing his helmet to the turf in disgust.
The first-day surprise appeared on the Seahawks’ players’ faces was almost comical, as head coach Dave Canales observed. They know the firepower we have within our own room.
Young’s difficulties became apparent from the opening minutes of the fight. Facing pressure, he attempted to float a pass out of the end zone. In reality, he faced a tidal wave of missed opportunities. He ended up throwing two interceptions and almost a third due to a defensive holding penalty. In response, the Panthers’ offense struggled to gain any momentum. Even on some of Young’s most crucial plays, such as his fourth-down conversion, Young mostly was left out to dry from an empty set.
After the game, Young spoke about his performance, focusing on the fact that execution was the problem.
“When you’re not executing, it sucks.” – Bryce Young
Young started his career in a bit of a funk, but he rebounded nicely last season. He ranked third among NFL quarterbacks with a Total QBR of 81 in those final three games. These early season foibles have started to cast some doubt on sophomore signal-caller’s maturation and evolution as an RB1 starting QB.
Canales said they feel as confident as anyone can be in Young’s potential, but conceded there’s plenty of room for growth in their playcalling.
“That’s a picture of where we’re at right now,” said Canales. “Something he and I will work through, talk about.”
The Panthers’ offensive woes were compounded by Young’s inability to maintain possession, culminating in a fumble that was one of four turnovers committed by the team. With problems piling up, Young is coming under a microscope. What he can do is study like hell for this week’s matchup with the Arizona Cardinals.
The margin for error is razor thin and the Panthers need to quickly regroup if they hope to turn their season around. Young particularly needs to play well on a stage like this. Their performance will be telling as they come against another tough opponent on the road.
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