Bryce Young’s transformation from a rookie on the bench to an emerging leader for the Carolina Panthers is the talk of the NFL world. After a rocky start to his professional career, the former first-round draft pick finished the 2024 season with a breakout performance, throwing five touchdowns in his final game. His resurgence has caught the attention of NFL analysts, many of whom now view him as a legitimate starting quarterback.
Turn Doubters Into Believers
Young’s turnaround silenced many critics who once called him a flop. On Pushing the Pile of CBS, former NFL player Kyle Long and Pro Football Focus analyst Mike Renner praised the second-year quarterback for his progression and composure under pressure.
“He plays like he sees the fastball,” Long said, describing Young’s new ability to process the game at a high level.
Renner added:
“Not to say a number one pick is going to live up to expectations and become a great player, but he’s definitely a top-20 quarterback in the NFL. A top-20 quarterback, it’s like, here you are. »
Renner even furthered the comparison by saying that Young was better than Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, saying, “I think Young is better than Kyler Murray right now.” »
An End of Season Statement
Young’s final game of the season—a five-touchdown explosion—was a clear signal to the league that he is capable of greatness. Despite playing for a struggling Panthers team, Young managed to finish the season on a high note, even outperforming established quarterbacks like Murray in recent matchups. His progression has been marked by improved decision-making, quicker reads and better presence in the pocket.
Skeptics Remain
Not everyone is convinced by Young yet. CBS analyst Pete Prisco, who has been critical of the Panthers’ decision to draft Young, remains hesitant to crown him the franchise’s savior.
“I need to see more,” Prisco said. “The teams [qu’il a affrontées] weren’t very good.”
Although Young’s recent performances have been impressive, some analysts argue that his development will only truly be tested against stronger competition.
The Road Ahead for Young and the Panthers
As Young enters the offseason, the Panthers have reason to be optimistic. His late-season resurgence not only highlighted his talent, but also set the stage for a potential leap in 2025. The organization will need to strengthen the roster around him, particularly the offensive line and receiving corps. , to ensure that it continues on this upward trajectory.
For now, Bryce Young has gone from a potential flop to a quarterback on the rise, establishing himself among the top 20 passers in the NFL in the eyes of many observers. If he can continue this momentum next season, it will be the true test of his potential as Carolina’s star quarterback.
