Dave Canales of the Carolina Panthers
It hasn’t taken long for the chorus of doubt to grow loud around Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. Just a season and two games into his NFL career, and it seems many fans and analysts are already ready to declare him a bust. The early returns on the No. 1 overall pick from the 2023 NFL Draft are not promising, and frustration is mounting in the Carolinas.
Young, a standout college quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner, was selected first overall by the Panthers in hopes of turning around a struggling franchise. However, the decision to trade away the No. 1 pick—which eventually became Caleb Williams—now looks questionable. The Panthers, currently 0-2, are already feeling the sting of that decision, with their season rapidly spiraling out of control.
In his short tenure, Young has struggled to live up to expectations. The quarterback has missed several wide-open receivers and has shown a concerning tendency to leave the pocket and take unnecessary sacks. His lack of downfield accuracy and inconsistent play have only fueled the narrative that he might not have what it takes to be a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Despite the fact that the Panthers’ issues are not solely Young’s fault, his performance—or lack thereof—has become a focal point for criticism. Fans are disheartened by what they perceive as a significant regression from a player who was supposed to be a franchise savior.
Social media is abuzz with reactions, ranging from incredulity to outright disdain. Comments highlight the disappointment in Young’s performance and question how a player who excelled in college could struggle so mightily in the pros. There’s a growing sentiment that Young could go down as one of the biggest busts in NFL history, with fans and analysts lamenting the hefty price Carolina paid to secure him.
One fan encapsulated the frustration: “Bryce Young will not only go down as the biggest bust in NFL history but the trade to get him will always be known as the worst trade in NFL history.” Others echoed this sentiment, suggesting the Panthers should consider moving on from Young sooner rather than later.
While it’s still early in Young’s career, the scrutiny he faces is intense. With a record of 2-17 during his time with the Panthers, and with the team struggling to find its footing, the pressure is mounting. The Panthers will need to decide if Young can turn things around or if the franchise must pivot yet again in its search for a solution at quarterback.
The debate over Bryce Young’s future is far from settled, but for now, the frustration among fans and the media is palpable. Whether he can overcome these early struggles and prove his doubters wrong remains to be seen. For the Carolina Panthers, the next steps in their quarterback situation will be critical as they navigate a challenging season.
