The Carolina Panthers made a major change earlier this week. After only 11 games as head coach of the team, ownership decided it was time to fire head coach Frank Reich. While certainly a shocking thing to see, it is hard to argue against such a decision being made.
The Panthers have the worst record in the NFL heading into their Week 13 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 1-10. They are near the bottom of the league in most offensive statistics, a detriment to Reich, who was calling the plays offensively for the majority of the season.
The biggest strike against Reich, however, was the lack of development being shown by Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Watching C.J. Stroud, who was selected No. 2 by the Houston Texans, ascend to stardom while Young struggles certainly didn’t help Reich’s job security.
NFL News & Rumors: Frank Reich, Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers Updates
Along with Reich, quarterbacks coach Josh McCown was fired on Monday as well. On Wednesday, Young spoke about the firing and shouldered some of the responsibility for his coaches losing their jobs.
“We all do. We all share in that,” said Young. “We never want to see people get fired. We wanted to come in and conquer things together and accomplish our goals together. We all take responsibility in that.”
Young has struggled mightily in the early going of his career. He is completing 61.7 percent of his passes and has thrown for 1,877 yards with nine touchdowns and eight interceptions.
A shaky offensive line and lack of weapons, as the team traded star wide receiver D.J. Moore to the Chicago Bears as part of the package to move up to the No. 1 pick, has contributed to Young’s struggles. He doesn’t believe that Reich failed him or the offense before his firing.
NFL News & Rumors: Frank Reich, Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers Updates
“We all take ownership, especially offensively,” he said. “It’s all of us. We all want to do better. It’s a collective unit. There’s no finger pointing from players, coaches. Nothing. We all could have been better.”
The lack of development from Young has been concerning, especially when the Panthers are watching the quarterback selected right after him have so much success. There have been reports that Reich wanted Stroud as his quarterback, but others with a say in the organization were all in on Young.
Owner Dave Tepper gave a vote of confidence to Young after the firing of Reich, expressing their confidence in the pick. But, until they can surround him with a stronger supporting cast, it is hard to envision him developing at the rate they are hoping for.
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