There are reasons to suggest the Carolina Panthers should consider sitting quarterback Bryce Young for the team's final four games of their 2023 campaign.
It's been a rookie season to forget for Bryce Young. The Carolina Panthers were seen as a desirable destination for any first-year player after sparing no expense on their coaching staff. As it turned out, that couldn't have been further from the truth.
Young is going through utter turmoil as the Panthers stare into the abyss. The supporting cast around the signal-caller is abysmal. Some of those high-profile coaches who came on board are no longer around. It's complete dysfunction across the board.
After another game where Young was beaten to a pulp at the New Orleans Saints, there's nothing left to play for. One also has to wonder just what the former Alabama star is getting from this experience within such an environment.
On this topic, here are three reasons why the Panthers should consider sitting Young for their remaining four games in 2023.
Bryce Young's bad habits
While the circumstances around Bryce Young aren't great, his production isn't what many anticipated. Some bad habits are creeping into the player's game. These traits weren't evident during his prolific college career with the Crimson Tide.
Hesitancy in the pocket. Footwork issues. Deep ball inaccuracy. These all need further refinement and the Carolina Panthers cannot afford the problems mentioned above areas to regress anymore.
Taking Young out of the lineup eases the pressure. It allows the signal-caller to develop at his own pace under the experienced eye of Jim Caldwell. Something that could reap huge long-term rewards if everything clicks.
Bryce Young's safety
Bryce Young will be the first to admit he's not played well this season. But the circumstances around the quarterback make it almost impossible to thrive whether you're experienced or not.
This all starts upfront. The Carolina Panthers offensive line is inept. Almost everyone across the unit has regressed considerably. Losing Austin Corbett and Brady Christensen - their two starting guards from last season - to long-term injuries didn't exactly help matters.
Young is taking incredible punishment as a result. Many wondered how he'd hold up taking big-time hits with such a slender frame. But his toughness cannot be in question after remaining resolute in the face of severe adversity.
Only Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell is getting sacked more. He's en route to becoming the most-sacked signal-caller in NFL history and has also displayed toughness beyond measure.
That could all change in the blink of an eye for Young. Pockets are collapsing on the Heisman Trophy winner almost constantly. All it takes is one hit to cause significant problems - just ask fellow rookie C.J. Stroud after this weekend.
Taking Young out of the firing line over their remaining four games removes any potential for injury or being placed in the NFL's concussion protocol. It's not throwing in the towel on his fortunes beyond 2023 - it's just smart business sense.
Bryce Young's confidence
After coming into the league with a bright smile and beaming ambitions, everything positive seems to be sapping away from quarterback Bryce Young. Not entirely surprising when one considers the Carolina Panthers have won just once in 13 attempts, but it's deeply concerning nonetheless.
This is a critical stage of Young's development from a confidence standpoint. There are countless examples throughout NFL history of inexperienced quarterbacks failing to get back their mojo after disappointing starts. Considering the investment made in the No. 1 overall selection following a bombshell trade with the Chicago Bears, this cannot occur in Carolina.
Young's cutting a forlorn figure these days. He remains accountable and professional while all around him seemingly crumbles. But taking him out of the starting lineup in favor of Andy Dalton reduces the risk of further long-term damage psychologically.
Let Dalton take the heat during four meaningless games. Build back confidence gradually. And most importantly, pray the Panthers get a competent head coach and surround Young with everything he needs to prosper moving forward.
If Young stays on the field - which seems likely unless injury strikes - and has four bad games to finish an already underwhelming rookie campaign, the Panthers have nobody to blame but themselves if the long-term impact lingers. A scenario that would set the franchise back years if it came to fruition.