The last season was all about uncertainty, where first-overall pick quarterbacks like Bryce Young struggled while “Mr. Irrelevant” Brock Purdy led the San Francisco 49ers to reach the Super Bowl finale. Young’s rookie season with the Carolina Panthers was marred by difficulties, culminating in a disappointing record of only two wins for the team.
As Young is determined to rebound from his rocky start, he finds solace in the encouraging words of former Panthers player Steve Smith.
Steve Smith Sr. backs Panthers QB Bryce Young
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III recently discussed Bryce Young with Steve Smith Sr. on the RG3 and The Ones podcast, during which Smith shared his unwavering support for the highly touted quarterback.
Smith expressed his initial impression of Young, highlighting the importance of making a decision as an analyst. He stated that selecting Young over other prospects did not imply a lack of faith in their abilities but rather a recognition of Young’s superior processing speed.
“I liked Bryce Young initially. We have to pick a guy. That’s our job. We have to pick a guy. Because I picked Bryce and said we should go with Bryce, that doesn’t mean that I think C.J. [Stroud] can’t play. I said, just like other people reported, Bryce’s processing was faster than C.J.’s.”
Nevertheless, the former Panthers’ player refrained from placing blame solely on the young quarterback. Instead, he attributed Young’s difficulties to the subpar roster surrounding him.
“But at the end of the day, a smart kid can look dumb if he’s around a lot of dumb people. And a dumb kid, or a smart kid, can be really smart if he’s around a lot of smart people. And what I’m saying is — you’re only as good as your company, and your company can only heighten and elevate you.”
Young’s challenges extended beyond the limitations of his teammates. The Panthers’ roster woes were exacerbated by the mid-season departure of their head coach and subsequent changes in offensive coordinators. These disruptions undoubtedly added to the pressures facing the rookie quarterback, contributing to a challenging debut season.
Bryce Young’s 2023 NFL season stats
In his rookie campaign, Bryce Young appeared in all 16 games. His statistics painted a picture of the difficulties he encountered on the field, recording 2,877 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, as per ESPN.
One notable struggle for the 22-year-old was his susceptibility to sacks, enduring a staggering 62 sacks over the course of the season. This marked the second-highest total in the league, highlighting the pressure and scrutiny Young faced in the pocket.
Nevertheless, the former Alabama quarterback maintained a positive outlook, crediting his teammates and the coaching staff for their support and guidance. With the opportunity to collaborate with a new coaching staff, he expressed optimism for the future and a determination to overcome the challenges he faced in his rookie year.
With his fiery determination and unwavering commitment to success, there is hope for a significant turnaround in his performance in 2024.
