The winds of change are blowing through Bank of America Stadium as the Carolina Panthers prepare for their Week 9 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Head coach Dave Canales confirmed that rookie sensation Bryce Young will make his second consecutive start at quarterback, while fellow freshman Jonathon Brooks could be in line for his NFL debut at running back.
Young Gets the Nod Again
After an encouraging performance in last week’s narrow loss to the Broncos, the Panthers are putting their faith in the No. 1 overall pick to lead the offense once more. Young completed 24 of 37 passes for 224 yards, tossing two touchdowns but also throwing a pair of interceptions in Denver.
To me, it was taking the decision out of Andy’s hands. If you were to ask Andy, ‘could you go?’ He’d say yes. And, for me, he’s like a week removed from a thumb injury and I just want to make sure that we’re putting him back out there in the right state and the right framework.
I’m excited for Bryce to have another opportunity to build on things that we’ve talked about. To continue to just grow and get that experience that we talked about is invaluable.
– Head Coach Dave Canales
Veteran Andy Dalton, who started Weeks 3-7, will serve as Young’s backup as he continues to recover from a thumb injury suffered in a car accident last week. The 35-year-old was a full participant in Wednesday’s practice but the Panthers are opting to give him additional time to heal.
Chance for Redemption vs Saints
Sunday will mark Young’s second start against the Saints this season. In a forgettable NFL debut back in Week 1, the former Alabama star went 13-of-30 for 161 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions in a 47-10 blowout loss in New Orleans.
Now with eight games of experience under his belt, including six appearances off the bench, the 22-year-old signal-caller will be aiming to show his progress and lead Carolina to an elusive win over their NFC South rivals.
Brooks Ready for Long-Awaited Debut?
As Young prepares for his encore against the Saints, he may be joined in the backfield by another highly-touted rookie. Running back Jonathon Brooks, the Panthers’ second-round pick out of Texas, is on the verge of making his NFL debut after missing the first eight games while recovering from a torn ACL suffered last November.
Brooks won’t start, but he’ll get some reps behind [Chuba] Hubbard if he’s ready.
– According to a team source
The 22-year-old was activated from the non-football injury list this week and has been practicing with the team. If active, Brooks would split carries with Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders against a Saints run defense allowing 120 yards per game (22nd in NFL).
Prior to his injury, the 6-foot, 220-pound Brooks showcased a tantalizing blend of power, speed and receiving ability at Texas. In 2021, he rumbled for 805 yards and six touchdowns at a robust 6.4 yards per carry while adding 15 receptions.
Hubbard’s Future in Carolina
Though there was pre-draft speculation that Brooks’ arrival could make Chuba Hubbard expendable after the season, a source indicated the Panthers remain committed to re-signing the 24-year-old speedster to a long-term deal.
While there was speculation before the season that Brooks ultimately would make Hubbard expendable when he becomes a free agent after the season, the team appears committed to re-signing Hubbard to a long-term deal and keeping both backs moving forward.
– According to a source familiar with the team’s plans
A fourth-round pick in 2021, Hubbard has amassed 1,124 rushing yards, 437 receiving yards and eight total touchdowns over 39 games. He’s started all eight contests this season, posting 467 yards from scrimmage and two scores.
Together, Young and Brooks represent the future core of a Panthers offense yearning for a spark. With both primed for prominent roles on Sunday, Week 9 could provide a fascinating glimpse into what lies ahead for Carolina football.
