Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has certainly hit some major bumps along the road throughout the first couple of years of his NFL career.
The former No. 1 overall pick endured a rather rough rookie campaign in 2023, throwing for 2,877 yards, 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while completing just 59.8 percent of his passes. Then, early last year, Young was benched in favor of Andy Dalton before ultimately winning his job back in late October.
The 24-year-old was actually rather impressive the rest of the way last season, particularly during the latter stages of the campaign when he reeled off seven passing touchdowns, three rushing scores and no picks over the final three games.
So, where exactly does Young stand right now? Well, the jury is still very much out on the University of Alabama product, and former NFL head coach Bruce Arians — who now works as a consultant for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — says that is perfectly fine because it's the natural course of events for a young quarterback.
"Everyone's all over this kid because he's struggling. Well, he's a rookie. He's supposed to struggle," Arians said, via Zak Keefer of The Athletic. "And nobody mentions that he had better receivers when he was at Alabama."
It's true that Young has had very limited help thus far in Carolina, although that is beginning to change. The Panthers suddenly have a very impressive crop of young wide receivers that includes Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, Xavier Legette and Jimmy Horn Jr., all of whom are expected to play a role in 2025.
Not only that, but Carolina has a solid backfield duo of Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle, not to mention a pair of very intriguing young tight ends with Ja'Tavion Sanders and Mitchell Evans.
We'll see if Young can build upon his strong second half of 2024 when the Panthers kick off their regular season against the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday.
For more on the Panthers and NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
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