Panthers Urged to Move Forward Without Bryce Young
The Carolina Panthers are at a pivotal moment in their franchise history. Despite showing significant improvement, the debate around quarterback Bryce Young’s future continues to dominate discussions. As the team contemplates its next steps, they are urged to move forward without Young.
Assessing Bryce Young’s Performance
In a recent game against the San Francisco 49ers, the Panthers faced a 20-9 defeat. Despite the loss, positive signs emerged from the defense, which intercepted three passes in the first half. However, Young’s performance did not reflect those defensive efforts.
Young completed 18 of 29 passes for 169 yards, registering one touchdown alongside two interceptions. This brought his average to a disappointing 5.8 yards per attempt. In stark contrast, his previous game against the Atlanta Falcons saw him shine, throwing for 448 yards and three touchdowns.
Career Statistics
- Current season stats: 1,673 yards, 12 touchdowns, 9 interceptions, and an average of 5.6 YPA.
- Overall EPA since joining the NFL: -269.1 in 38 starts.
- Comparison to Tua Tagovailoa: Tagovailoa holds a positive EPA of 123.1.
- Rank among quarterbacks in EPA + CPOE: 32nd out of 32 qualifying quarterbacks.
Potential Solutions for the Panthers
The Panthers currently sit at a record of 6-6, boasting emerging talent throughout the roster. The defense, under coordinator Ejiro Evero, has improved significantly from last season, now positioned 18th in yards allowed per game.
Meanwhile, the offensive line remains the primary concern, ranking 27th in pressure rate allowed. Addressing this issue, alongside the quarterback situation, is crucial for the team’s prospects.
Future Quarterback Options
The Panthers possess valuable draft picks, making it feasible to consider a new quarterback in the upcoming draft. Players such as Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Oregon’s Dante Moore, and Alabama’s Ty Simpson are potential first-round candidates.
Should the opportunity arise to secure one of these young talents, the Panthers must act decisively. Enabling competition for the starting position with Young could set the stage for a smoother transition in coming years.
The Path Forward
The Carolina Panthers have a clean slate regarding their salary cap and are not bound by long-term quarterback contracts as seen in other franchises. The departure from Young might be what the team needs to unlock its potential.
As the Panthers continue to develop their young roster, the focus should remain on acquiring a quarterback who can elevate the team. Waiting for Young to improve may not be feasible. The Panthers must prioritize their future and take action when the moment presents itself.
