What were some major observations from Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young's performance at the Tennessee Titans in Week 12?
After another turbulent few days of scrutiny, Bryce Young got the chance to get one over on another rookie quarterback in Week 12 at the Tennessee Titans. His only win of the season so far came against C.J. Stroud, so there was hope a similar feat could be reached going up versus Will Levis, who dropped into the second round before being taken No. 33 overall.
The Carolina Panthers haven't done enough to assist Young this season. The signal-caller isn't playing well either, which is a bad combination heading into a venue where Tennessee has enjoyed success more often than not in 2023.
Not many held much hope the Panthers could attain their second triumph of the campaign. As it turned out, another woeful display on offense was enough for a 10th loss of the season.
With this in mind, here are four major observations from Young's performance at the Titans in Week 12.
Bryce Young's mobility
Given how the Carolina Panthers offensive line cannot seem to stop a nosebleed these days, Bryce Young's mobility is something I was watching closely in this one. While the pressure awareness does need refinement, there is enough to suggest his athleticism should be put to better use despite his slender frame.
Young's escapability and improvisation are elements of his game opposing teams don't seem to respect. Perhaps it's down to the fact they can get into the backfield at will, but there were signs it could be a decent method to move the chains when the specific situation dictates.
This is putting Young in harm's way more often. But how much more harm could it do considering he's getting killed in the pocket?
Bryce Young's first-half flashes
It was another first half to forget at the Tennessee Titans. The Carolina Panthers couldn't seem to get anything going on offense and although their defense put up a decent fight of things, it couldn't prevent Frank Reich's men from going into the break down 17-3.
Bryce Young suffered more than most, as has normally been the case this season. There's no cohesion, no sound running game, no protection, and no consistent protection. It's the same old story.
Yet, there were some flashes of Young's capabilities. He made some eye-catching throws to Stephen Sullivan, D.J. Chark, and Jonathan Mingo in tight windows, which was a fleeting relief to another woeful performance from the Panthers overall.
There was another turnover when struggling left tackle Ikem Ekwonu got burned and Young coughed up a fumble when hit from behind. That's not ideal, but this one play was a microcosm of the struggles around the rookie quarterback in 2023.
The first-half statistics told their own story:
- 50 percent completion (8/16)
- 80 passing yards
- 0 touchdowns
- 0 interceptions (1 fumble lost)
- 1 sack against
- 11 rushing yards
- 64.6 passer rating (ESPN)
Flashes aren't enough. But it's the best Carolina and their long-suffering support can hope for in such torrid circumstances.
Bryce Young's resolve
Momentum has been hard to come by where the Carolina Panthers are concerned offensively this season. Almost every time it looked like quarterback Bryce Young might be trending upwards at the Tennessee Titans, the trajectory turned completely thanks to blown assignments or penalties from his teammates.
Costly infringements in the second half crippled what seemed to be good opportunities to gain a foothold in the contest. It's hard enough for the Panthers without constant cases of discipline issues hurting them, which is an indictment of coaching more than anything else.
Young is in a situation where everything needs to be perfect right now. Every individual needs to play flawless football with supreme execution to muster meaningful yardage, but the personnel isn't where it needs to be for such expectations to be managed.
All Young can do is keep fighting. One cannot dispute the player's resolve in the face of adversity, but it's hard to make anything happen when he's running for his life on almost every dropback.
The Heisman Trophy winner was filmed trying to motivate his teammates on the sidelines, even consoling left tackle Ikem Ekwonu in the midst of yet another turbulent afternoon at the office. Leadership is his most admirable trait, but it's evident some taking the field don't have the same inner fortitude as Carolina's man under center.
What's the point in playing Bryce Young?
There comes a time when the Carolina Panthers have to admit defeat here. Bryce Young is in danger of getting seriously hurt behind pathetic offensive line production, so those in power should be looking at protecting their investment rather than trying desperately to selfishly improve their own fortunes of sticking around beyond the current campaign.
Simply put, it's time for the Panthers to at least contemplate the notion of sitting Young. This takes him out of the firing line and allows Andy Dalton to put himself in the shop window ahead of an offseason trade.
Some might not like it, but what's the alternative? Young's getting hit too much as it is with Ikem Ekwonu struggling on the blind side and an interior decimated by injuries - a concerning scenario that could lead to grave ramifications with one bad collision.
This thought was shot down by Frank Reich during the week. He wants to see things through and reports of Young's development being directly tied to the head coach's future indicate he'll remain under center, but the Panthers are 1-10 with no hope of salvaging anything from the 2023 season.
It's not a benching. It's looking at the bigger picture. If David Tepper and his team of incompetent decision-makers had done this sooner in their pursuit of building a contender, Carolina wouldn't be in this mess.
Young has done more than enough this season. The time to take a step back has arrived.