In a surprising turn of events, Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young finds himself thrust back into the starting role after weeks of running the scout team offense. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, who was benched just two games into his professional career, now has a chance to prove himself once again following an injury to veteran starter Andy Dalton.
According to sources close to the team, Dalton suffered a sprained thumb on his throwing hand in a Tuesday car accident, suddenly propelling Young back to the top of the depth chart. The former Alabama star and Heisman Trophy winner had been relegated to imitating opposing quarterbacks in practice, but his teammates say he never lost his competitive edge.
Young Impresses on Scout Team
Despite the demotion, Young attacked his scout team duties with the same intensity that made him a collegiate superstar. His ability to mimic the unique skills of rookies like Jayden Daniels and Caleb Williams caught the attention of veterans on the Panthers defense.
He was saucing us up out there. He was throwing dimes at practice.
Panthers linebacker Jadeveon Clowney
Clowney, the top pick in the 2014 draft, even pulled Young aside to offer advice on handling the pressures of being a No. 1 selection. “To believe in himself,” Clowney said. “You know what got you here. You know how to play football. You were the No. 1 pick for a reason. Just continue to believe in yourself and keep the haters away.”
Staying Ready for Opportunity
While Young’s performance in his first two starts was underwhelming, with zero touchdowns, three interceptions, and a league-worst 12.6 Total QBR, his time on the scout team allowed him to hone his skills and stay prepared for another shot.
For me, I never was out of it. That’s out of respect for the game, respect for this team. There was never a take a step back or phone it in for a week. I put too much effort into the game to do that.
Bryce Young, Panthers quarterback
Teammates praised Young’s attitude and work ethic during his time running the scout team, noting his ability to make plays and push the defense in practice. That competitiveness and constant drive to improve could serve him well as he looks to rebound from his early-season benching.
Proving He Belongs
As Young prepares to retake the reins of the Panthers offense, he has a chance to show that the potential that made him the top pick was more than just hype. With renewed confidence and a chip on his shoulder, the rookie sensation could provide the spark Carolina desperately needs to turn around a disappointing start to the season.
While the path back to the starting role was unexpected, Young’s teammates believe he is ready for the challenge. His growth on the scout team and unwavering self-belief could be exactly what the Panthers need to get back on track and prove that they made the right choice in selecting him No. 1.
As the football world watches, Bryce Young has the opportunity to silence his doubters and show that his time on the sidelines was merely a detour on his journey to NFL success. With the weight of expectations on his shoulders once again, the rookie quarterback must now prove that he belongs atop the depth chart – not just for a week, but for the foreseeable future.
