Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young faced significant challenges during his rookie season, a fact that hasn’t gone unnoticed by his teammates. Wide receiver Adam Thielen shed light on Young’s struggles during a recent appearance on Good Morning Football.
Reflecting on the changes within the team, including new head coach Dave Canales and receiver Diontae Johnson, Thielen was asked about his observations of Young’s performance in 2023.
“Yeah, well, I’ll say this—I think everything was stacked against him last year. And I’m not gonna get into detail as to why that was, but I’m just really excited for him to have a fresh start, an ability to just have a good coaching staff that’s gonna put a good plan together to help him be successful, and also to put people around him to help him be successful.”
Despite being selected as the top overall pick, Young’s rookie campaign didn’t meet expectations. He averaged just 179.8 passing yards per game and threw 11 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.
Thielen’s comments echo sentiments expressed by other receivers who played alongside Young.
Hayden Hurst, now with the Los Angeles Chargers but previously a teammate of Young’s in Carolina, remarked after the season that the rookie quarterback faced challenges stemming from conflicting advice and a lack of support.
Young also grappled with issues such as receivers struggling to create separation, an injury-plagued offensive line, and frequent changes in the coaching staff’s play-calling duties, with shifts between head coach Frank Reich and offensive coordinator Thomas Brown.
Looking ahead, there’s hope for a more cohesive approach within the Carolina Panthers’ offense. With stability in coaching and a shared vision, Bryce Young, Thielen, and the rest of the team can work towards a more unified and productive season.
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