Bryce Young, the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers, has struggled immensely since becoming a starter. With a 2-16 record, Young’s lack of success on the field can be attributed in part to the lack of talent around him. According to his college coach, Nick Saban, playing quarterback is extremely challenging when the supporting cast doesn’t perform well, which seems to be the case for Young in Carolina. The Panthers’ decision to trade key players like DJ Moore, Christian McCaffrey, and Brian Burns for draft picks has left Young with few playmakers to work with.
Saban expressed his disappointment at the situation surrounding Young, noting that he feels the young quarterback has the potential to succeed with better players around him. The Panthers’ struggles to provide a competitive roster for their quarterback have been evident in Young’s performance, as he has failed to replicate his success from college in the NFL. With only 245 yards and zero touchdown passes in two games this season, Young’s statistics pale in comparison to his numbers from the previous year.
The decision to go with veteran quarterback Andy Dalton over Young for the upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders highlights the coaching staff’s concern about the young player’s struggles and the team’s overall performance. The trade that brought Young to Carolina as the top pick in the draft has raised questions about the team’s future success, especially considering the lack of impact players surrounding him. Despite the high expectations that come with being the first overall pick, Young’s development may be hindered by the challenges he faces within the struggling Panthers organization.
As the Panthers continue to struggle on the field and make questionable roster decisions, the pressure on Young to perform at a high level only increases. The team’s inability to provide a stable supporting cast for their young quarterback has put Young in a difficult position, with little room for success. The trade that brought Young to Carolina has been scrutinized as one of the worst in NFL history, given the lack of impact players and the diminishing returns on the investment in the young quarterback. Moving forward, the Panthers will need to address their roster deficiencies in order to give Young a fighting chance at success in the league.
Despite his early struggles, Young’s talent and potential have not gone unnoticed, as his college success and abilities as a quarterback are still highly regarded. With the right pieces around him and a supportive coaching staff, Young could still live up to the expectations that come with being a first overall pick. However, the challenges he faces within the Panthers organization, including the lack of talent and stability, may continue to hinder his progress and development. The situation surrounding Young in Carolina serves as a cautionary tale for NFL teams when it comes to drafting top prospects and building competitive rosters around them. The pressure and expectations placed on highly touted rookies can be overwhelming, especially when they are thrust into challenging environments like the one Young finds himself in with the Panthers.
