It has been a rookie season to forget for Bryce Young in Carolina.
He was a Heisman Trophy winner, a Southeastern Conference Champion, and a College Football Playoff National Champion during his collegiate tenure at the University of Alabama. The former five-star became the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but he needs help. Young needs an innovative offensive head coach, elite weapons at wide receiver, and an offensive line.
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He is one of the most sacked quarterbacks in the league.
The Panthers allowed 44 sacks of Young, including a season-high seven against the Dallas Cowboys.
Carolina is 1-10 and fired Frank Reich as its head coach. Everything around Young has not benefitted him, but the California native keeps a positive perspective. He credits his faith in Jesus for protecting him from injuries and emotional hurt.
On being sacked 44 times and not broken, Panthers quarterback Bryce Young says ‘’that’s God protecting me.’’ pic.twitter.com/Xo2kr0fkVI
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) December 6, 2023
“That’s God protecting me,” Young said about what’s keeping him from being broken despite a rough season. “That is God protecting me and the people around me. That is stuff that’s out of my control. I am grateful to be here, to be healthy, and to play as it is. It is a blessing.”
Young led the Panthers to a 15-13 comeback win over the Houston Texans earlier in the season. He overcame six sacks to put his team in a position to make a game-winning field goal. Young has nine touchdown passes and nine interceptions.
Carolina does not have the head coach or pieces around him to elevate Young. It needs to be addressed after this season.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
