After two weeks, Bryce Young looks like a shell of what he was expected to be for the Panthers. The confidence he’s had as a passer is gone. He’s nervous in the pocket and he hasn’t been sharp on his reads.
Fans booed and chanted for backup quarterback Andy Dalton half way through Sunday’s game. After 18 games, there are uncomfortable and unfortunate conversations swirling around the second-year quarterback.
On one hand, the Panthers front office made an effort to give Young the resources needed to succeed. They hired a coach in Canales who specializes in quarterback play. They invested $153 million in signing offensive linemen Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis. They acquired wide receiver Diontae Johnson from Pittsburgh and drafted Xavier LeGette, all for Carolina’s offense to put up 13 points after two games and all for Young to look lost and incompetent.
Granted, there is a process of progress when it comes to development and it’s not linear. Not even all-time greats are immune to early career struggles. However, the NFL stands for “Not For Long” for a reason. You must be able to perform and as the face of a franchise at the most important position in the game, you better figure it out sooner rather than later
On the other hand, since the Panthers invented all of their resources to help Young succeed, they will probably have to stick with him despite his struggles.
Also, benching Young now can further erode his confidence and according to Hunt, the loss of confidence in this league isn’t a good look at all.
“I’ve seen people lose confidence and I wish that on nobody, especially in this league,” he said.
Hunt believes that even in his struggles Young has an opportunity to turn his play around, because he hasn’t lost any confidence.
“I think BY is doing good. I don’t think he’s losing confidence,” he said. “His head is up. He’s still coming out every drive leading us. ‘Hey! Let’s go! Let’s go!’ We’re right there with him. Unfortunately, it just hasn’t gone our way. Confidence, for sure for him is high. It’s only Week 2”
Canales also reiterated that Young will start next week against the Raiders in Las Vegas and moving forward for now.
Despite his slump, Young still has the confidence of his team and they are committed to rolling with him.