In a league where quarterback play often determines a franchise’s fate, the Carolina Panthers are hoping they’ve found their savior in rookie signal caller Bryce Young. While it’s still early, Young is already earning high praise from an unlikely source – former Panthers QB and current Tampa Bay Buccaneer Baker Mayfield.
Mayfield, who was traded by Carolina last season after a disappointing 1-5 start, couldn’t say enough positive things about Young following the Bucs’ 26-23 overtime victory against the Panthers on Sunday. The 2018 #1 overall pick even went as far as to say Young “has the potential to do anything he wants to do” in the NFL.
A Rough Start Doesn’t Define Young’s Future
Despite a lackluster 4-19 record to begin his pro career, Mayfield believes the adversity will only make Young stronger in the long run. As someone who experienced his own “ups and downs” transitioning from a top draft choice to journeyman backup, Mayfield emphasized how overcoming early struggles “makes you stronger in the end.”
It’s a perspective that carries weight coming from a player who’s been in Young’s cleats. Mayfield entered the league facing immense expectations in Cleveland, only to be traded away after four turbulent seasons. His brief stint in Carolina didn’t fare much better, leading to his backup role in Tampa Bay.
The Dave Canales Factor
But Mayfield credits his resurgence to working with Bucs offensive coordinator Dave Canales, who previously helped develop Young in Carolina. Citing Canales’ eternally positive coaching style, Mayfield believes Young is in great hands to reach his sky-high potential.
“Knowing who he’s working with now is a big part of that with the positivity and confidence aspect of it,” Mayfield said of Young’s partnership with Canales. Under Canales’ guidance in 2023, Mayfield posted career-bests in touchdowns and interceptions en route to his first Pro Bowl nod.
Flashing Elite Potential
“He played his ass off,” the former Heisman winner said of Young’s performance on Sunday.
Though the Panthers came up short, Young showcased why he was worthy of being the top pick. The rookie threw for 298 yards, his second-straight game eclipsing 250 passing yards with no turnovers – a feat not achieved by a Panthers QB since Cam Newton in 2012.
Most impressively, Young shouldered the offensive load with little help from a stagnant running game that produced just 78 yards. The young passer even flashed his mobility with a 10-yard touchdown scramble, offering a glimpse of the dynamic playmaking ability that enticed Carolina to draft him.
Earning Trust and Praise from Teammates
Young’s accelerated growth is also resonating with teammates. Veteran guard Robert Hunt said he’s “extremely proud” of how the rookie has progressed, noting “you can tell he’s getting more confident and comfortable.”
In a critical moment, Young’s poise was on full display. According to receiver Adam Thielen, “no one really said anything” in the huddle before orchestrating a clutch touchdown drive in the final minute of regulation. That composure in high-pressure situations is a trademark of elite quarterbacks.
“That’s what good teams do,” Thielen said. “They just get on the field and they just go.”
Mayfield Believes; The Panthers Hope
For a Carolina franchise mired in mediocrity for the better part of a decade, Young’s accelerated development offers a beacon of hope. While it’s unrealistic to expect overnight success from the rookie, his rapid improvement and Mayfield’s emphatic endorsement suggest the Panthers may have finally found a long-term answer under center.
If Young continues on his upward trajectory, Carolina could soon return to relevance in a rapidly evolving NFC South. With a star running back in Chuba Hubbard and ascending weapons like Thielen, the framework is in place for Young to blossom into the franchise quarterback the Panthers have sorely lacked.
For Mayfield, who knows firsthand the challenges of living up to pre-draft hype, Young’s future is blindingly bright. “I’m just proud of him,” he said with a knowing smile.
Time will tell if Mayfield’s projection comes to fruition. But if Sunday was any indication, the Panthers may have struck gold with the top pick. In Bryce Young, Carolina sees a potential cornerstone to build a contender around. The NFL world is waiting to see if the rookie delivers on that immense promise.
