The Carolina Panthers endured a nightmarish 2023 NFL season, finishing with the worst record in the league. Despite their struggles, they didn’t benefit from the No. 1 overall draft pick due to a previous trade with the Chicago Bears. Had they kept that top pick, they might have selected Caleb Williams. Instead, they chose to center their offensive strategy around Bryce Young, the first overall pick in the 2023 draft.
Young, who had an underwhelming rookie year plagued by relentless pressure and an inadequate receiving corps, was expected to be a game-changer. Known for his impressive performance at Alabama, where he demonstrated excellent pocket awareness and a versatile throwing arm, Young has yet to fully transition these skills to the NFL.
To better support Young, the Panthers brought in head coach Dave Canales to revamp the offensive scheme and simplify the playbook. However, the start of Young’s second season was rocky. His opening pass of the 2024 season was intercepted, sparking a wave of criticism on social media.
During this play, Young attempted an intermediate throw down the middle, but the pass went astray, landing directly in the hands of a defender. This misstep underscores the difficulties Young faces, despite the coaching staff’s confidence in giving him the freedom to make plays from the outset.
Now, with this early setback, the Panthers are already grappling with the prospect of a challenging season ahead, potentially facing their first loss before it has even properly begun.