Bryce Young Isn't the Problem

[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
 

[LinvilleGorge]

I agree that Bryce isn't the problem. Neither is Reich or Fitterer or the roster. The problem is on the owner suite. Those other people are part of the problem but ultimately David Tepper is THE problem.

[mrcompletely11]

so is bryce the answer?

[KillerKat]

Keep telling yourself that.

[toldozer]

He may not be the problem but he ain't the answer either.  He is what half of us thought he was and David Tepper let him off the hook.

Edited October 9, 2023 by toldozer

[ForJimmy]

I would be curious to see how Stroud would look in this mess.  I'm sure he would look better, but not as good as he does in a franchise that appears to have leadership and a HC that knows how to delegate/trusts his staff. 

@CamWhoaaCam you are always quick to admit when you are wrong, well you were right about Wilks over Reich and us signing Hopkins.

[therealmjl]

43 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

I agree that Bryce isn't the problem. Neither is Reich or Fitterer or the roster. The problem is on the owner suite. Those other people are part of the problem but ultimately David Tepper is THE problem.

I’m at the point where I believe we could have Patrick Mahomes himself at quarterback and Tepper and this front office would figure out a way to completely ruin it

[mrcompletely11]

2 minutes ago, toldozer said:

He may not be the problem but he ain't the answer either.  He is what half of us thought he was and David Tepper let him off the hook.

that missile hit by the linebacker after he chased down young basically solidifies for me that bryce is not athletic enough for the nfl and its only a matter of time before he takes the kill shot

[CamWhoaaCam]

4 minutes ago, ForJimmy said:

I would be curious to see how Stroud would look in this mess.  I'm sure he would look better, but not as good as he does in a franchise that appears to have leadership and a HC that knows how to delegate/trusts his staff. 

@CamWhoaaCam you are always quick to admit when you are wrong, well you were right about Wilks over Reich and us signing Hopkins.

See this is why I like you. You call me out when I'm wrong, but also admit when I was right.

 

Thanks my friend.

[Sean Payton's Vicodin]

Bryce ain't the answer either.
Bryce is a JAG QB. Doesn't elevate his team. He's a Marcus Mariota.

Edited October 9, 2023 by Sean Payton's Vicodin

[Wundrbread33]

I question the arm talent. It may still be good enough, but I’m concerned. And worried. 

[CPF4LIFE]

3 minutes ago, Sean Payton's Vicodin said:

Bryce ain't the answer either.
Bryce is a JAG QB. Doesn't elevate his team. He's a Marcus Mariota.

My thing is...if this is the case. Why should we give this 3 to 4 years to work? Who the hell honestly wants to wait that long? If he isnt living up to the status by next year you gotta look to move on. 

[mrcompletely11]

1 minute ago, Wundrbread33 said:

I question the arm talent. It may still be good enough, but I’m concerned. And worried. 

Its fair to question his arm talent, its fair to question his size and its fair to question his athletic ability.  That said, after 5 games, what the fug is his strength?   Throwing screens, throwing between the numbers?  What has he shown at all?

[Happy Panther]

Unfortunately Bryce may be developing perfectly as a top level pick but he is living under the shadows of Stroud and Richardson, questionable coaching and an 0-4 record. He is making fixable mistakes. If his NFL brain is as big as they say it is he will be fine. 

Maybe.