Just now : Bryce Young was possibly facing being traded away by the Carolina Panthers. But a chance benching has allowed him to show his offensive strengths Nick Carboni and Locked On Panthers’ Julian Council chat about the path forward…..

Bryce Young’s Path Forward: From Trade Rumors to Potential Offensive Breakthrough

Carolina Panthers’ rookie quarterback Bryce Young has had a rollercoaster ride since being selected with the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Initially hailed as the future of the franchise, the 21-year-old signal-caller quickly found himself under the intense glare of the spotlight. With early struggles and a struggling Panthers offense, rumors began swirling about the possibility of Young being traded away. However, a potential benching may have provided the necessary wake-up call, with Young showing signs of improvement that could set him on a path to success.

In a recent episode of the *Locked On Panthers* podcast, host Julian Council and NBC Charlotte’s Nick Carboni discussed the current state of the Panthers and their young quarterback. The conversation focused on Young’s development, how the team’s struggles might be affecting his confidence, and the potential path forward for both Young and the Panthers.

The Early Struggles: Rumors of a Trade

When the Panthers acquired Young as the face of their franchise, expectations were high. But as the season progressed, the offense underperformed, leaving many to question whether Carolina had made the right choice at quarterback. The Panthers’ 2023 season has been a struggle, and their offensive play calling has often been under scrutiny.

At the heart of the struggles has been Bryce Young. Through his first several games, Young seemed to be lacking the sharp decision-making and playmaking ability that made him such a highly-touted prospect coming out of Alabama. His inability to connect with his wide receivers, combined with issues related to the offensive line, led to growing concerns that the team’s investment in Young might not yield immediate returns.

As the losses mounted, whispers around the league suggested that the Panthers could look to trade Young. Such a move would be unprecedented for a team that had just selected a quarterback with the first overall pick, but the NFL is a results-driven business, and the early signs were worrying. In Carolina’s eyes, Young was expected to be their future, but the pressure to win now led some to entertain the idea of moving on from the young quarterback.

The Bench Press: A Wake-Up Call for Young

However, in a dramatic twist, a potential benching became a turning point for Bryce Young. Reports surfaced that the Panthers coaching staff had discussed sitting the rookie to allow him a chance to reset. While a benching would be a blow to any young player’s confidence, for Young, it may have been exactly what he needed to spark his development.

As Julian Council and Nick Carboni discussed on *Locked On Panthers*, the potential benching may have provided Young with the mental break he needed to re-evaluate his approach to the game. With time to watch from the sidelines and observe the game flow from a different perspective, Young could have gained valuable insight into the nuances of NFL defenses. He could also begin to build better chemistry with his receivers and learn to adjust his game to the speed and complexity of professional football.

While sitting out is never ideal for a player, it might have been the reset that Bryce Young needed. As Council pointed out, it’s not uncommon for rookie quarterbacks to face challenges early in their careers, but those challenges often serve as stepping stones to eventual success. Young’s time on the bench could allow him to focus on his development without the pressure of trying to win every week.

Signs of Improvement: Showcasing Offensive Strengths

After his brief time on the bench, Bryce Young seemed to return to the field with renewed focus and a clearer sense of his offensive strengths. Over the past few games, Young has shown glimpses of the playmaking ability that made him the top draft pick. His ability to read defenses, maintain poise in the pocket, and execute key throws has improved, providing hope that he can still grow into the franchise quarterback the Panthers envisioned.

In their discussion, Carboni and Council agreed that Young’s strengths are still evident. He has a quick release, excellent pocket presence, and the ability to make precise throws even under pressure. However, the key now is consistency. The Panthers’ offensive line has also begun to show signs of improvement, providing Young with more time in the pocket. This, combined with better playcalling and a stronger rapport with his receiving corps, has allowed Young to start building confidence.

One of the critical areas where Young has shown improvement is in his deep ball accuracy. While he’s not yet at the level of some of the league’s elite quarterbacks, his ability to stretch the field is beginning to show. His connection with wide receivers like Adam Thielen and DJ Chark has become more consistent, giving Carolina’s offense a much-needed boost.

The Path Forward: Patience and Development

Looking ahead, the path forward for Bryce Young and the Panthers involves patience and continued development. While it’s clear that the rookie quarterback has faced adversity, there’s also recognition that his growth in the NFL will take time. As Council noted, “The key for the Panthers now is to create a supportive environment where Bryce can continue to develop without the pressure of trying to win every game.”

The trade rumors may have died down for now, but the Panthers must remain committed to Young’s long-term success. The team will need to continue building around him, improving both the offensive line and the skill positions. As for Bryce Young, he will need to stay focused, keep learning, and use his moments of adversity to fuel his development into the quarterback the Panthers believed he could become.

While the future is still uncertain, the potential for Bryce Young to become a franchise cornerstone remains intact. What was once a season filled with trade rumors may now be evolving into a critical development year for the young quarterback. If the Panthers can continue to give him the support he needs, there’s hope that Young will soon realize his full potential and help lead Carolina back to playoff contention in the years to come.