NAS

It hasn't been pretty and for the most part, it's been rather hard to watch. Five games into the Frank Reich era and the Carolina Panthers look like they took twelve steps back from where they were to begin the season a year ago. Notice how I said the beginning of last season, not the end. That's more like 1,200 steps backward. We all saw the lack of depth this team had in the summer and the front office failed to address it. I understand there's only so much you can do in one offseason and even if they had made a couple of extra moves to "beef up" the roster, I'm not sure it would have made that much of a difference. This team is without two of its starting offensive linemen and is running a heavy zone run game scheme which is not what led to their success down the stretch in 2022. As offensive coordinator, Thomas Brown said last week, "It's a convenient excuse". He's not wrong, but we can't ignore the fact that it is a part of why this running game isn't as effective as it was a year ago, in addition to the injuries. But now, what I'm really here for... I'm stunned at the number of folks on social media placing the blame on Bryce Young, already deeming him a "bust". I can assure you the Panthers don't have a quarterback problem. They have a personnel and coaching problem. Can't it be worked out? Yes, absolutely. It just takes time. This coaching staff is too good not to figure their end of it out. It's about them gaining experience together, understanding what the perfect blend of their offensive and defense philosophies is, and putting that formula to use. When you have receivers that consistently struggle to win one-on-one matchups, have a difficult time establishing the run game, and allow pressure on a regular basis, it's hard for any quarterback to execute. So let's stop comparing Young to C.J. Stroud. And this is coming from a guy who had Stroud as the No. 1 quarterback in the 2023 draft class. If Stroud were on this roster, it would be the same story. He doesn't fix any of the problems at the receiver position, in the run game, or up front in protection. My only knock on Young entering the NFL was his size. Could he take the beating? Would he be able to scan the field well? Would there be balls batted down at the line of scrimmage every week? Through his first four starts, we haven't once discussed his size because it's not been an issue. It's been everything else from execution, pre-snap responsibilities, health, you name it. Could there be something the coaching staff could do to present a more clear picture for Young? Yes. Even Steve Smith Sr. mentioned this on one of his latest episodes. I'm not here to excuse the poor start to the season because quite frankly, there's no reason this team should be as bad as they are. But as far as the quarterback goes, I will refrain from judging Young as a franchise guy until he has the proper pieces around him. It's not like he doesn't belong. He's pieced together some drives where you're like, "Ah yes, there's why he was the number one overall pick." The talent, the IQ, and the overall makeup are there for Young to be the guy to lead the Panthers back to its winning ways. Let's give the kid some time to learn, grow, and most importantly get some darn help. https://www.si.com/nfl/panthers/gm-report/monday-morning-thoughts-bryce-young-isnt-the-problem?fbclid=IwAR2ZH20ifWRJMWQEh2EqccoN9UUp-zUFbic5MGvUj5LGF1WCbIhAzV1d7is_aem_ASktduesu4kTSQhzbI-FSYLi6seQ2rhKrR7UmQU9co4OXpyKKnCmPIMSPcIyHS_Hq0Q

Right, at least we would have a functioning offense

This can be said about any QB. You wouldn’t run Drew Brees or Tom Brady in the same offense as Cam Newton or Lamar Jackson. The overreaction to CJ Stroud’s success is kind of pathetic. Just shut up and support your young QB.

34-17

They stopped blitzing but that was not prevent defense at all. Bend but don’t break, sure.

I know offense looked a bit more fluid in the second half. Coincidence? https://x.com/justblande/status/1711092362145849692?s=46

Sorry but this isn’t rock bottom (yet). It’s too soon to discuss

We all got fooled at one point or another

I think his performances are right in line with previous top QB prospects in a rookie season who turned out to be franchise QBs. Stroud and Cam have been the anomalies not the rule. That said, giving up assets to not grab the top guy was an egregious error and heads should roll. However since the main force behind the sudden shift to draft Bryce was Tepper he can only really point the finger at himself

Yep it didn’t hit me until this year

Sure, I don’t disagree with that but If Bryce turns into the second best franchise QB of the draft, then I can live with that as long as he can be that guy for us.

Nope. Bryce is still worth a first round pick. (Just not the trade up from 9)

Sure you can, but every post is about that at this point. We get it, should have drafted Stroud, now what? That train is not coming back

Step in the right direction. Now he needs to do it when the game is on the line

It is a clusterfug for many more reasons than that. Bryce is the least of my worries

Nope not bothered by Stroud’s success. He was my top choice but it’s water under the bridge and you all are so obsessed about it that you are totally miserable

Go root for the Texans then

Dude you’re really discrediting yourself with these Clausen comparisons

C is a fair grade but overall some promising throws and showing toughness in a really hostile environment

I think he needs a better OL more than receivers

Brees got all those calls too

Stroud was my first pick but it doesn’t mean Bryce sucks he just isn’t Stroud. Bryce will be a good NFL QB

Young’s arm looks livelier when he’s not running for his life

New Owner

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