A Shift in Charlotte: The Bryce Young Era
There’s quite the transformation taking place in Charlotte. The Carolina Panthers, a team long associated with the imposing figure of Cam Newton, have decided to pivot drastically. Enter Bryce Young, a relatively small quarterback at 5’10” and 204 pounds. He stands in stark contrast to Newton, yet he embodies that same mix of promise and urgency: Please, let this new guy be the answer.
Young is well aware of the memes and the jokes that have circulated about him, not to mention all the criticisms he’s faced. But now, he’s out to prove those naysayers wrong, altering the perception not only of himself but of smaller quarterbacks in the NFL.
There was certainly cause for skepticism regarding how well the Bryce Young experiment would unfold. Historically, only one quarterback has achieved considerable success despite being on the shorter side—Drew Brees, who is regarded as one of the greatest to ever play. Brees had to stay light on his feet to get his passes over defensive linemen, and he did so with remarkable precision. Young, however, isn’t Brees. While both may operate on their toes to some extent, their playing styles differ significantly. Brees excelled at dissecting defenses from the pocket, while Young often utilizes the run-pass option (RPO) and has a knack for extending plays outside it. Still, he shares that same potential for big plays that Brees had. Analysts are starting to notice this shift in narrative.
Interestingly, Young leads the league in explosive throws after just four games, even under more pressure than any other quarterback. This is a notable feat, considering conventional football wisdom suggests that big plays typically require a clean pocket. Young has managed to challenge that notion, further disproving the idea that his smaller size means he’s one hit away from injury.
In his four seasons, Young has been sacked 128 times, mostly due to issues with the Panthers’ offensive line. Remarkably, he’s only missed two games due to injury—both stemming from sprained ankles while rolling out, not from being hit. In comparison, Joe Burrow, who fits the prototype of a bigger quarterback, has been sacked 98 times in the same period and missed 16 games. This isn’t to criticize Burrow but rather to illustrate how misguided the assumption is that size directly correlates to injury risk in the NFL. Getting hit in this league is tough, and often it’s more about luck than anything else. No player, regardless of size, can truly absorb the force of an NFL hit without consequence.
Another misconception that needs to be addressed is about arm strength—an argument that seems to pop up repeatedly in NFL discussions. You’d think we’d have moved on from valuing arm strength above all else, especially after cases like Kyle Boller, who struggled in the NFL despite being drafted for his impressive arm. Critics have claimed Young has a weak arm, pointing out his fewer deep throws in college as evidence that he wouldn’t succeed in the league. However, upon reviewing game footage, it’s clear he has plenty of velocity, just not the fanciest of throws. In the NFL, accuracy and velocity are what truly matter, not the ability to throw a 60-yard bomb effortlessly. Interestingly, Young is currently the top-rated deep passer this season, despite not having what some would call an elite arm.
Lastly, there’s the matter of resiliency. Many quarterbacks have had their careers revived lately, from Geno Smith to Sam Darnold, yet most have needed a fresh start and different coaching to thrive. Young was on the verge of being dismissed after his first shaky season. The community held its breath when Panthers coach Dave Canales decided to bench him early in his second year. Rather than being a setback, the benching allowed Young to recalibrate, slow things down, and recognize that even the best players face challenges in tough situations. Since returning, he has shown consistent improvement, leading up to this moment of breakout.
No two quarterbacks are alike, nor do they develop in the same way. In today’s world of instant gratification, it’s easy to forget that quarterbacks often need time to adjust to the rigors of the NFL. It took Josh Allen a couple of years to develop, and it’s taken Bryce three. Some will need more or less time, as we’ve seen with other players. Patience seems to be a rare trait nowadays, and that’s likely why so many quarterbacks experience a resurgence after switching teams.
Time and again, people have written off Bryce Young. Too small, too light, not robust enough—labels that stuck to him as the supposed number one bust. Yet the Panthers, along with Young, have managed to rise above all that noise. Now, as they defy expectations, Young is coming into his own. He may not be Drew Brees, but he’s certainly forging his own path. It’s time we recognize that his strength lies not just in his physical attributes but in his determination to succeed.
