Bryce Young suited up as the Carolina Panthers starting quarterback for a second-straight week against the New Orleans Saints. The signal-caller showed some encouraging signs at the Denver Broncos despite head coach Dave Canales' apprehensive play-calling for the most part. However, it remains to be seen whether the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft can hang on to the gig for much longer.
Canales went with Young thanks in no small part to his constant desire to protect veteran Andy Dalton. The 37-year-old wanted to play and expects to be under center in Week 10 against the New York Giants in Germany. It was up to the Heisman Trophy winner to perform accordingly and keep him on the sidelines.
This wasn't an ideal situation for Young, especially considering Adam Thielen was out through injury and Diontae Johnson got traded to the Baltimore Ravens. The Alabama product was relying heavily on unproven yet promising pass-catchers to accumulate momentum versus a Saints secondary missing some established figures.
All eyes were on Young, although trade talk surrounding the player seems to be diminishing. As it turned out, the quarterback managed to attain only his third victory as an NFL professional with a confidence-boosting success versus their fierce division adversaries.
With this in mind, here are five major observations from Young's performance in Week 9 at Bank of America Stadium.
Major observations from Bryce Young's performance vs. the Saints
Bryce Young's footwork
One of the biggest criticisms surrounding second-year quarterback Bryce Young throughout his disastrous first season centered on his indifferent footwork. This was something head coach Dave Canales attempted to fix throughout the summer to no avail. It's early days in his second chance to forge a productive career for himself, but taking a step back seems to have improved this critical area of his game.
The Carolina Panthers saw better pocket navigation from Young against the New Orleans Saints. He was comfortable despite being under pressure. He got himself into a nice throwing base, planting his feet and delivering the football with conviction more often than not.
To say this is a positive development regarding Young's growth would be a massive understatement.
Things seem to be slowing down for the beleaguered quarterback. His lower body is aligned with his upper half more these days. Seeing how this grows further in the coming weeks is crucial, but it represents an outstanding foundation from which to build at the best possible time.
Bryce Young's blossoming connections
As previously mentioned, the Carolina Panthers didn't have much pass-catching experience to depend upon in Week 9 versus the New Orleans Saints. Bryce Young was counting on fledgling professionals and relatively unproven rookies, which allowed the quarterback to showcase some blossoming connections with long-term upside attached.
Young seemed to be on point from a timing standpoint with his three most popular options in the passing attack. Jalen Coker caught the eye when his number was called once again. First-round pick Xavier Legette helped himself to another touchdown. Tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders displayed his athletic attributes in a pressurized setting - not for the first time this season.
There was a lot of trust in them, too. Young had no trouble looking for this rookie trio in key moments. More importantly, the signal-caller managed to put them in positions to make plays. He didn't make things too complicated, which was a recipe for success right out of the gate.
Considering the Panthers aren't playing for anything other than pride this season, head coach Dave Canales must continue to get prominent reps into these promising young players. Something that could be invaluable to Carolina's chances of becoming competitive in the coming years.
Bryce Young's statement drive
Generating momentum has been an almost impossible task for Bryce Young since entering the league as the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. Statement drives have also been few and far between for the under-fire quarterback.
That all changes versus the Saints. The Panthers were in the game coming out of the half-time interval. They needed Young to impose his will immediately and enhance their chances of an unlikely triumph. For once, the Mater Dei High School product answered the call.
Young put together an outstanding drive that eventually concluded with Chuba Hubbard plowing his way into the end zone from close range. The player demonstrated the poise and calculated risk-taking that became synonymous with his college production at Alabama.
Perhaps the most impressive element was how comfortable Young looked with the spotlight glaring. There was no slumping, no getting downhearted when a play didn't develop as expected. It was exactly what the Panthers needed to see.
Bryce Young's growing confidence
Yes, the Carolina Panthers were playing against a New Orleans Saints team without their four-best cornerbacks. However, the notable confidence improvements from Bryce Young were night and day compared to the opening two contests of the campaign.
Young played with a sense of freedom that was hard not to love. He knows the situation. Instead of accepting his fate, the quarterback used this to get back to basics and depend on the traits that made him such an enticing prospect, to begin with.
This can be the stepping stone Young is looking for. It's been a constant stream of disappointments so far. His performance wasn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but it was better. That alone should be enough to bolster his self-belief.
If the first two games of the season were a disaster, the last two from Young have been much more pleasing. Hopefully, for everyone associated with the Panthers, this can become the catalyst towards more prosperity moving forward.
And make no mistake, this is the best possible outcome for this perennial struggler.
Bryce Young should start for the rest of 2024
The Panthers got a morale-boosting victory versus their NFC South rivals. What this game should also do is provide clarity for head coach Dave Canales.
He must start Bryce Young the rest of the way. Nothing else will suffice.
Carolina remains among the bottom feeders. But with a decent-looking group of young pass-catchers and an offensive line holding their own despite dealing with some injury complications, Young needs to stay under center and see if this is the start of his career turnaround.
Young's earned the right to start again next week. Whether Canales wants to keep a sense of urgency by making this a week-to-week situation is up for debate. But even his lack of faith in the signal-caller must be evolving positively right now.
The Panthers found a way, for once, to get over the line. This came on the back of Young and an impressive defensive stand on the game's final drive. It doesn't change much, but getting bragging rights over the Saints never hurts.