Sunday’s home opener wasn’t too kind to Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. But the low lows of the NFL are something the 23-year-old is already well-acquainted with.
Young and the Panthers delivered another stinker to start the 2024 campaign, falling to the visiting Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2. The 26-3 loss was headlined by a poor performance from the 2023 No. 1 overall pick, who threw for career-lows in yards (84) and yards per attempt (3.2).
His outing incited quite the displeasure from Carolina’s fans, who booed Young and even chanted for backup Andy Dalton at times. He was asked about the frustrated faithful following the defeat.
“I respect the passion the city has for the team,” Young replied. “So, obviously, that’s part of it. I respect the passion of the city.”
The city has had very little to be passionate about, at least positively, when it’s come to Young’s Panthers. After going 2-15 in 2023, the team has gotten off to a depressing 0-2 start in 2024—as the offense has mustered up all of 16 points and just two successful third-down conversions over two games.
Before Young took the lectern, reporters asked head coach Dave Canales if he has considered a switch under center. Canales push back on the notion, stating that Young is the Panthers’ quarterback.
Young was asked what Canales has meant to him during this rough stretch,
“I’m super grateful for Coach Canales,” he said. “I have full trust in him as a coach, as a play-caller, in the system. We just have to do a better job of executing and helping him out. This is, obviously, tough times—but I think it’s a great opportunity for us and our relationship and the entire team to grow during tough times.”
Through the first two weeks, Young has completed 55.3 percent of his passes for 245 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions.
