I had high hopes for the Carolina Panthers’ first-round choice, Bryce Young, entering the 2023 NFL season, especially under Frank Reich’s supervision. After just winning one game in the first three months, the organization fired Reich and two offensive assistants, QBs coach Josh McCown and assistant HC/RBs coach Duce Staley, 12 weeks into the quarterback’s debut season.Of course, the win-loss record jumps out, but so does the dearth of offensive productivity. In terms of points (15.7, 29th), total yards per game (265.9, 30th), pass yards per game (173.3, 30th), rush yards per game (92.6, 28th), and sacks allowed (43, 29th), the Panthers offense is in the bottom five in the league. Young has labored behind a weak offensive line, passing nine touchdowns to eight interceptions and been sacked 40 times in 10 starts.
Owner David Tepper has delegated control of the team to interim HC Chris Tabor, who previously served as special teams coordinator. Senior assistant Jim Caldwell is functioning as a special advisor to offensive coordinator Thomas Brown, who will resume play-calling duties, and it’s time to figure out how the Panthers can save the rookie quarterback’s season.The hard reality in Carolina is that the offense is not particularly good in terms of talent, with a limited pool of pass-game weapons and an unreliable run game. Young is being asked to do a lot of things, and he doesn’t have many answers. The emphasis should be on Young’s development, and if the Panthers want him to be the long-term quarterback, as Tepper has stated, they should empower him a little more.I was in a similar circumstance with the Texans during my first season in 2002. I had a lot on my plate, and our offensive was suffering because, quite simply, my head was spinning trying to find protections at the line of scrimmage. There is a lot to learn: How extensive is the coverage? Who is the defense’s primary pass rusher? If I get through my progressions without an outlet to throw to, who is my checkdown option? Everything started to click a little better until I started understanding these things on a play-by-play basis, which didn’t happen until after my rookie season.
During my first season with the Texans in 2002, I was in a similar situation. I had a lot on my plate, and our offense was struggling as a result of my brain whirling while looking for protections at the line of scrimmage. There is plenty to learn: How comprehensive is the coverage? Who is the primary pass rusher on the defense? Who is my checkdown option if I get through my progressions without an outlet to throw to? Everything began to make sense until I began to comprehend these things on a play-by-play basis, which didn’t happen until after my rookie season.Young mastered Alabama’s scheme during his collegiate career, but that hasn’t been the case in Carolina this season. Again, his supporting cast has been ineffective in this regard. Veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen is the one player the youngster can rely on to be in the right place at the right time. But, as Young goes through his progressions, he must be worried about his safety because he isn’t sure if his protection will hold up. Sam Howell of the Commanders is the only player with more sacks than Young (55 to 40), and Howell has played in two more games than Young this season.
There’s no purpose in entirely reimagining this attack or experimenting with novel formations in the final six games of the season. What I’d want to see the Panthers do is give Young more offensive responsibility. They can accomplish this by writing about ten plays and hammering out the concepts in a hurry-up or no-huddle fashion. The young quarterback should be able to play quickly and comfortably in a simplified scheme with fewer formations.
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