Bryce Young, the rookie quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, was just that — the No. 1 player chosen in the 2023 NFL Draft. This year is a big one for him, as he aims to flush down a poor opening act of his pro career. Young endured a difficult beginning, compiling an equally daunting first two-year record of 6-22. Now, with head coach Dave Canales calling the shots, he’s at a turning point. After opening last season 0-2, Canales made the call to bench Young. This decision sparked one of the fiercest fan and analyst debates.
After the disappointment, Young bounced back brilliantly, leading the Panthers to a 2-1 wrap-up of the home season in late October. Yet his performance last season demonstrated both his struggles and promise on the field. In a hard-fought NFC South battle against the New Orleans Saints, Bryce Young completed 13 of 30 passes for 161 yards and two costly interceptions. As Young gets set for Year 3, he looks to build on those experiences and take his game to new heights.
A Season of Ups and Downs
Young’s bad first appearance giving the impression he wasn’t ready for the NFL raised concerns about his preparedness. This was shocking, particularly given his astonishing college career at Alabama, where he won the coveted Heisman Trophy in 2021. Yet, his 6-22 record over the first two seasons has put him in the crosshairs. Beyond that, only one of the past 25 QBs to be selected with the No. 1 overall pick has even built a winning record by their third year. This sets Young’s path to victory as an extremely uphill one.
Much like last season’s choice to bench Young following a lackluster start, this move was not made lightly. That really was a moment of introspection not only for him, but for Coach Canales too. Although Young publicly voiced displeasure with the call, Canales has tirelessly attempted to repair their relationship ever since.
“Really, I’m not looking back at last year,” – Dave Canales
The attention now turns to how Canales and Young, working together, can continue building momentum from this historic victory. That shared mutual respect is key as they work together through this important stage in Young’s career.
Building a Stronger Partnership
As they enter the second leg of their inaugural journey together, both Coach Canales and Young understand what’s at stake within their synergistic working relationship. Canales has been a key figure in creating that environment, one that both pushes for growth and offers support.
“He just let Bryce grow into the quarterback he wants him to be, guiding him and letting him grow, which was amazing to see.” – David Moore
Canales, for one, believes that Young has made huge strides from a year ago. His leadership and the ability to keep a team of pros focused and positive perhaps more so. Teammates have noted a significant change in Young’s mindset and approach to leadership.
“We’ve got a great leader who’s making sure the tempo is right, making sure the attitude’s right, the energy is right.” – Dave Canales
Those qualities are going to be needed as this team readies for what should be another brutally talented SEC schedule.
Looking Ahead: Goals and Expectations
Both Bryce Young and Coach Canales are fully aware of the obstacles they encountered in previous seasons. This year, they’re more hopeful that they might find success. Through hard work and unity, they are determined to build a championship culture in the community.
Young knows that at the heart of their efforts is a mutual devotion to success.
“At the end of the day we have the same goal,” – Bryce Young
This unifying goal builds connection and encourages every stakeholder to pursue the best possible outcomes both on and off the field.
With Year 3 on the horizon, a clamoring chorus of heightened expectations follows. Perhaps most importantly, Canales recognizes that coordination will be key to maximizing Young’s capabilities as a quarterback.
“Our rush plan has got to be extremely coordinated,” – Coen
The coaching staff understands Young’s talent in creating plays under duress and using his quick release from the pocket. This knowledge will be essential in crafting a game plan that maximizes his strengths.
The Panthers are looking forward to another successful season! They’re turning to Bryce Young not only to be their new starting quarterback, but some sort of magical leader able to infuse confidence in his teammates.
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