Bryce Young looks like a completely different quarterback after regaining the starting job for the Carolina Panthers. Earlier in the season, Young led the Panthers to wins over the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants before impressive performances in losses to the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Week 15 was disappointing with a big loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Young was sacked six times and threw two picks.
However, this game is considered strange. Young's sack rate has decreased, he's throwing the ball deeper (intended air yards per attempt increased by 0.8), and he's having to throw the ball farther more often.
Carolina wasn't in a good position for a rookie or a sophomore quarterback. Yes, Young has been a disappointment overall, but there is a glimmer of hope for the Panthers that he can become a franchise quarterback if they put him in a position to succeed.
Former Panthers coach Ron Rivera is certainly optimistic.
Speaking to RG, Rivera said: “He's playing with confidence, and I think he's got a better feel, a better handle on the attacking playbook. You see him going forward quickly. You see him getting the ball out of his hands…
“His release time is about 2.85 seconds below the league average. He gets the ball out quicker, which is very helpful, because when the ball comes out of your hands, you're not taking sacks. Those are positives as well. He's not getting sacked like he has in the past either.” “
Bold training
Rivera was also full of praise for Dave Canales' decision to bench Young. Carolina built a run in Young's second stint as a starter, giving him more time to work from the pocket.
In small samples, Young had great success running the play last season (7.40 yards per attempt). Canales should experience an increased number of play calls over the last few weeks.
Carolina has time to try things out over the remaining games. A little more than a month ago, Young looked like a historical bust. It's only a handful of games, but he's shown enough to suggest he could be a long-term answer at quarterback if the Panthers build the right offense around him.
