Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young did not exactly have an enjoyable rookie campaign.
In 16 starts, Young threw for 2,877 yards, 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while completing 59.8 percent of his passes and posting a passer rating of 73.7.
Most importantly, the Panthers went just 2-15, finishing with the worst record in football.
Making matters worse for Young—who Carolina took with the No. 1 overall pick last year—was the fact that No. 2 pick C.J. Stroud lit it up for the Houston Texans, posting one of the best rookie seasons ever.
So, what does Young need to do to get better?
During a recent appearance on Club Shay Shay with Shannon Sharpe, former Panthers quarterback Cam Newton had some advice for Young.
“I think he needs to understand that voicing his opinion is important,” Newton said. “Some quarterbacks have that freedom to, and some don’t. Because every offensive coordinator asks their quarterback this question: ‘Game on the line 3rd-and-4, 3rd-and-8, got-to-have-it situation. Who would you prefer to throw the football to?’ So, the game’s on the line, or going into the season, what do you need to be successful?’ He needs to have those answers for that. Bryce has to obviously be open to doing it. Not doing it publicly, but doing it behind the scenes.”
Carolina has tried to make things easier for Young this offseason, hiring Dave Canales—a known quarterback guru—as its new head coach and going out and swinging a trade for wide receiver Diontae Johnson, who will join Adam Thielen and Jonathan Mingo in a suddenly talented Panthers receiving corps.
However, Young still needs to get the ball to where it needs to be, which is something he had a significant issue doing in 2023.
In Young’s defense, the Panthers’ offensive line was terrible, and he didn’t exactly have a ton of weapons at his disposal.
But now, Young is entering Year 2, so he is going to have to start showing he can deliver.
We’ll see if Bryce Young takes a big step forward in 2024.
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