The Bryce Young era hasn't started well for the Carolina Panthers.
Per ESPN Panthers beat writer David Newton, Young ranks near the bottom of the NFL in total QBR (27th), completion percentage (28th) and passer rating (31st). In a key situation on "Monday Night Football" against the New Orleans Saints, he needed running back Miles Sanders to remind him where to line up before a play.
Bryce Young lines up behind the right guard pic.twitter.com/h8lYllUSy8
— =͟͟͞Blande (@JustBlande) September 19, 2023
The Panthers are 0-2 and have a toothless Young-led offense, but they can look to history for hope.
In 1983, John Elway was selected with the first pick of the NFL Draft by Baltimore. He refused to sign with the Colts, leading to a trade to Denver. As a rookie for Broncos, he played in 11 games and put up lousy stats (47.5% completion percentage, seven TD passes, 14 interceptions).
He also needed a reminder from a teammate to line up under the center rather than the guard.
It’s not easy being a rookie QB in the #NFL. Here #Broncos No. 1 overall pick and HOFer John Elway mistakenly lines up behind the guard before shifting to under center. pic.twitter.com/1wOoLx5sWv
— QC (@QuantCoach) September 9, 2023
Elway went on to win two Super Bowls and make nine Pro Bowls and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
While it is far too early to put those same expectations on 2023's top overall draft pick, Young has shown flashes of why Panthers fans shouldn't panic.
In the second quarter on Monday night, Young ran play action and rolled out to his left before calmly firing a dart to D.J. Chark Jr. for 15 yards and a first down. He also appears to be developing a strong on-field rapport with veteran Adam Thielen, who caught a touchdown and the following two-point conversion.
Bryce Young to Adam Thielen!
— NFL (@NFL) September 19, 2023
3-point game after the 2-pt conversion
: #NOvsCAR on ESPN
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/zWM8hlwLFw pic.twitter.com/AlndFCnei0
He even displayed elusiveness as a runner, picking up 26 yards on a third-and-11 to keep alive a fourth-quarter drive that culminated with a field goal.
Bryce Young juked 'em with the quickness
— NFL (@NFL) September 19, 2023
: #NOvsCAR on ESPN
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/zWM8hlwdPY pic.twitter.com/qHcRWDL5gP
"I've seen this before," said head coach Frank Reich, per Newton. "[Young] is not that far away. It looks bad but, really, I don't believe that it's far away."
While Young's overall numbers are awful, Carolina Panthers fans should remain patient. There is still plenty to be excited about with the rookie QB.
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