Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young and Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud were the first two players taken in the 2023 NFL Draft.

However, there is no question that Stroud appears to be the better of the two in the very early stages of their professional careers.

The two signal-callers have known each other since middle school and have been long-time friends, so Stroud defended Young when given the opportunity ahead of their Week 8 clash.

“Honestly and personally, watching the film and watching every game of his, I don’t think in any way, aspect, or form, he’s playing bad,” Stroud said, via the Texans’ official team website. “That’s what people think if you’re not winning or you have a turnover here or there. Bryce is playing some really good football. I just don’t think people watch in depth — like if you’re a quarterback, you know. I think he’s playing really well.”

Through the Panthers’ first six games, Young has thrown for 967 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions while completing 63.2 percent of his passes and posting a passer rating of 78.7.

By contrast, Stroud has totaled 1,660 yards, nine touchdowns and one pick while completing 59.6 percent of his throws and registering a passer rating of 96.4.

Most importantly, Stroud’s Texans are 3-3 while Young’s Panthers are 0-6.

Stroud added that he is “always rooting” for Bryce Young and said that he also knows Young does the same thing in return.

“It’s a blessing to have a brother like that,” C.J. Stroud said. “To go through the same type of struggle, same type of pressures — the things like that. We talk a lot about that stuff in the offseason … so it’s a blessing to have someone like that in my life.”

The two promising young quarterbacks will face off this Sunday.

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