The past few years have been challenging for the Carolina Panthers, marked by the loss of key players like Christian McCaffrey, DJ Moore, Brian Burns, and Cam Newton.
However, in the blockbuster trade that sent DJ Moore to the Chicago Bears, the Panthers secured the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. This led them to Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young, a player with immense promise.
Young faced significant struggles in his rookie season, a common hurdle for top picks. With 11 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a staggering 62 sacks, his NFL debut was far from ideal.
Despite these challenges, Young showed resilience and determination.
After an inconsistent second season, Young enters his third year in the NFL on a hot streak. His early performances include seven touchdowns and zero interceptions, along with three rushing scores-signals of his growing command over the game.
In an appearance on Up & Adams Show, Panthers head coach Dave Canales discussed Young's rollercoaster sophomore year, which included being benched for five games.
"He studied, he worked, he encouraged, he never stopped leading," Canales said, highlighting Young's persistence during adversity.
Young's return in week eight marked a turning point. He finished the season with 21 total touchdowns and just six interceptions, showcasing a dramatic improvement in his play.
This transformation, coupled with retained chemistry with Chuba Hubbard, Adam Thielen, and promising rookie receivers Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker, sets the stage for further growth.
Heading into 2025, Young seems to have regained the confidence he carried from Tuscaloosa, reigniting hope for Alabama and Panthers fans alike as he takes full command of the offense.
The future looks bright for the young quarterback and the franchise eager to get back to the playoffs.
Related: Kalen DeBoer Praises His Star QB Ahead of NFL Draft
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This story was originally published April 1, 2025 at 3:59 PM.