The numbers in 2023 haven’t always been good for Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, but the work ethic has.
It may have taken 16 weeks, but this year’s No. 1 overall pick finally produced like a No. 1 overall pick. Sunday’s heartbreaking loss to the Green Bay Packers saw Young complete 23 of his 36 throws for a career-high 312 yards and two touchdowns.
That performance, which is currently up for a couple of weekly honors, was preceded by his most clutch outing of his rookie campaign. The week prior, Young led a game-winning 17-play, 90-yard drive (in the pouring rain, no less) to push the Panthers past the Atlanta Falcons.
Interim head coach Chris Tabor was asked how Young’s recent play will help him start fresh in 2024.
“His work ethic is outstanding, and that hasn’t changed,” Tabor replied.
I see it all the time. In fact, he was in the weight room super early this morning gettin’ his lift in. The guy stays late and watches a lot of film. He has all the things you see older quarterbacks have.
“Now, you’re seein’ a guy take a fourth-quarter drive in the Atlanta game, and then to the next week to where it wasn’t going as well offensively at the very beginning in the first quarter—but then saying, ‘Let’s stop, now let’s start playin’ and get everybody goin.’
“You’re seein’ a lot of those intangibles. I see it in practice when he commands the huddle. And he’s just gonna continue to get better and better as he goes through these experiences.”
Hopefully for Tabor, Young and the Panthers, they’ll have two more worthwhile experiences to take into next season.
