With all the struggles Bryce Young went through during the 2023 campaign, this is a clean slate for the quarterback. The Carolina Panthers displayed a tremendous amount of faith in the signal-caller this offseason, investing heavily in the options around him and making the polarizing figure a unanimously voted team captain to further raise confidence.
Young's benefitted greatly from the improved teachings of head coach Dave Canales throughout the summer. The renowned quarterback developer enhanced the player's fundamentals and is looking for the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft to get the football out quicker within a 2.7-second timeframe. It's early days, but his performance during a brief cameo in Carolina's final preseason game versus the Buffalo Bills' second-string defense left reasons for encouragement.
Things are about to get a lot tougher for Young. The regular season is a different animal entirely and Carolina is walking into a hostile environment at the New Orleans Saints to kick off their campaign. This will be a much bigger measuring stick for the player and the Panthers overall.
The pressure is on in no uncertain terms. With this in mind, here are five bold predictions for Young in Week 1 at the Caesars Superdome.
Bold predictions for Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young in Week 1 at the Saints
Bryce Young scores a touchdown on his opening drive
Making an immediate statement would be a massive boost for Bryce Young. He led his team downfield for a touchdown to veteran tight end Jordan Matthews on the first drive during the Carolina Panthers' warmup game at the Buffalo Bills. Doing it in a competitive setting is another matter.
The Panthers have an element of surprise attached to their first game. This is a different offensive scheme and plenty of newly-acquired playmakers throughout another busy offseason. Couple this with the progressive thinking of new head coach Dave Canales, putting points on the board immediately couldn't be completely dismissed despite the Caesars Superdome crowd set to make communication difficult.
Setting the tone was a key element of Carolina's offseason. Young leading the Panthers on a touchdown drive on the opening series would be a good place to start.
Bryce Young secures a 70.0 completion percentage
Dave Canales wants Bryce Young to trust his instincts and rely more on what got him this far. This centers on accuracy and fast processing - something that enabled him to make the correct decisions and oversee a prolific offense during his time with the Crimson Tide.
The Carolina Panthers didn't have a scheme suited to Young's strengths last season and they paid a heavy price. Things look more promising under Canales' guidance. They also have players who can create separation consistently and an offensive line that should provide the signal-caller with more stability in the pocket.
If everyone else meets their end of the bargain, Young will have no more excuses. He must deliver the football on time and accurately into the hands of his improved weapons. The New Orleans Saints gave up just 19.6 completions per game last season - ranked No. 5 league-wide - so the challenge awaiting the Heisman Trophy winner is a steep one.
Young achieved a 70 percent completion percentage or more just three times last season, gaining one victory. If he can reach this lofty goal to begin the regular season, it'll put the Panthers in a strong position to achieve a shocking triumph on the road.
Bryce Young gains 50 rushing yards
Bryce Young's ability to gain yards on the ground was an underused part of his game last season. There are concerns about his size, but one could argue any player is susceptible to injury given the NFL's violent nature.
Asking Young to become the second coming of Cam Newton running the football isn't going to happen. However, with a little extra confidence from the coaching staff and enhanced on-field awareness in Year 2 of his professional career, it would be disappointing if Dave Canales didn't maximize his athleticism more effectively.
Having the freedom to improvise while also staying out of harm's way is key. Young proved his durability last season. He's also intelligent enough to reduce the risk of unnecessary punishment when runs are coming to an end.
Two of Young's three best rushing performances last season came against the New Orleans Saints. He never went over 50 rushing yards behind an offensive line unfit for purpose. If he can reach this figure in Week 1, it'll give opposing defenses something else to worry about as the campaign progresses.
Bryce Young throws for 240+ yards
Nobody is expecting Bryce Young to enter NFL MVP consideration in Year 2 of his professional career. This is all about building back confidence and reminding people why he was such a highly-touted college prospect. This is a much better environment in which to thrive. Making the most of it is crucial.
For all the New Orleans Saints' complications last season, the pass defense was among their significant strengths. They conceded just 207.3 yards per game through the air in 2023 thanks to a secondary consisting of Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, and veteran safety Tyrann Mathieu. Adding second-round selection Kool-Aid McKinstry into the mix only strengthens the options at Dennis Allen's disposal.
Dave Canales wants to establish the run and make things easier for Young. This is the primary objective in Week 1 - especially on the road. But the onus is also on the signal-caller to make things happen through the air with some intriguing pass-catchers to depend upon.
If Young can get to the 240 passing-yard mark - something he accomplished just twice as a rookie - that is an outstanding platform from which to build. One that should also compensate for some potential defensive failings after the Panthers lost several established stars in the spring.
Bryce Young leads the Carolina Panthers to a last-gasp triumph
One thing that separates the elite-level quarterbacks from the moderately successful is coming through in clutch situations. Having the nerves of steel to drag their team from the jaws of defeat to victory is why they get paid the big bucks. Bryce Young demonstrated this trait almost constantly at Alabama. Whether he can accomplish similar feats at the next level has yet to be determined.
Young's got the calm demeanor and flawless poise that should serve him well. The New Orleans Saints are a tough nut to crack and should be keen to get their campaign off to the best possible start on home soil. However, there's a chance Carolina will keep this game closer than many anticipate.
He just needs a chance late in games. Young didn't get many of these last season as the Panthers descended into embarrassment. Confidence is high that this can change and the signal-caller can provide the distribution needed to get his team over the line in key moments.
If this comes down to who gains more points on the last series between Young and under-fire veteran Derek Carr, don't be surprised if the second-year pro gets the better of his counterpart.