Bryce Young started the season well, but the last couple of games haven't been as productive for the quarterback and the Carolina Panthers.
The Panthers are on a two-game losing streak after their bye week. Young is also dealing with a knee injury, and although head coach Dave Canales doesn't think it's limiting the signal-caller, the on-field performances tell a different story.
One of the most underrated elements of Young's game centers on mobility. He's athletic, elusive, and knows how to gain yards on the move without putting himself in harm's way.
Bryce Young's mobility is clearly restricted by mysterious knee problem
With the Panthers' offensive line struggling against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football, Young needed all that agility and more to escape pressure. But aside from the maneuvering inside the pocket, there were no rushing attempts.
Young also carried the ball once for nine rushing yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While he isn't Cam Newton in terms of rushing ability or volume, one run in two games is not normal for him.
Something is clearly amiss with the knee.
Canales played it down. He didn't believe it was hindering Young nearly as much as the offensive line's incompetence, but the Alabama product doesn't trust it. He's reluctant to get out on the run, opting to stay in the pocket for arguably even more brutal punishment behind such pathetic protection.
It's something to monitor, at the very least. Though the severity probably won't be disclosed.
The Panthers are now on a mini-bye after kicking off Week 8. This is extra time for Young to rest, heal, and get treatment on the knee. These extra days matter, and they could be vital for the No. 1 pick in 2023 before taking on the Denver Broncos next weekend.
Carolina Panthers must trust Bryce Young's judgment with injured knee
Given the strength of Denver's defensive front seven under the master expertise of Vance Joseph, Young can ill-afford to second-guess his knee issue at Bank of America Stadium.
The Panthers are in a precarious situation. They are 3-4 and have fired both defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and pass-game coordinator Jonathan Cooley. Pressure is building behind the scenes, and Canales took drastic action to hopefully spark his locker room.
Everyone plays hurt. Young is as tough as they come, rarely missing games and showing incredible durability for a man his size. But if he cannot do his job effectively, or the knee gets worse, the Panthers may sit him down in favor of veteran backup Kenny Pickett.
That's a last resort, of course. And it would result in a significant production downturn at football's most important position.
But fans know how knees can buckle if they become too weak.
Young is comfortable playing through the pain barrier. Canales is confident in his quarterback. There needs to be some trust regarding the knee and the player's willingness, but until the porous offensive line figures things out, the concerns will remain.
And watching Young's mobility next time out will tell Carolina's loyal fanbase everything they need to know.
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