Carolina Panthers’ coaching staff was running Bryce Young around in circles

Bryce Young's rookie season with the Carolina Panthers was marred by inconsistency, largely due to the challenges of a coaching staff who couldn’t get out of their own way. "We changed the offense three times in the offseason,'' according to a source with knowledge of the situation told ESPN's David Newton . "That's not gonna be beneficial for anybody, let alone a rookie quarterback. The philosophical alignment wasn't always there.''

Young managed to throw for a meager 2,877 yards, with only 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions over 16 games. However, his completion rate hovered just under 60%, and he endured a staggering 62 sacks. The Panthers finished the season with a dismal 2-14 record in games Young started, further highlighting the difficulties of his first year in the NFL. "It's hard to evaluate [Young] just because of some of the stuff that happened in the offseason leading up to training camp that didn't really give Bryce the best opportunity to be ready and prepared for the season," Newton’s source stated.

The Carolina organization has recognized these shortcomings and taken steps to provide better support for their quarterback. During the offseason, they improved their offensive line by signing guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis. Additionally, they added playmakers like wide receiver Diontae Johnson, drafted running back Jonathon Brooks, and tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders.

The hope is that Young's performance will significantly improve with a more stable environment and enhanced protection. The experience of enduring a tumultuous rookie season is seen as a potential growth opportunity. If Young can overcome these early obstacles, the Panthers are optimistic that he can develop into the franchise quarterback they envisioned when they selected him as the top pick in 2023. "If they are mentally tough, let them get the experience,'' the source told Newton. "I'm not worried about ruining someone mentally. If they are going to be your franchise quarterback for the next 12 to 15 years, they can handle it. If they can't handle it, they are not your franchise quarterback."