Charlotte, North Carolina – In the world of American football, change is inevitable. For Adam Thielen, star receiver for the Carolina Panthers, that change came in the form of quarterback Bryce Young. Thielen, a veteran player with a keen eye for talent, saw something different in Young from the moment he returned for OTAs in April.
“I saw it the day he got back here for OTAs. You could just see his mindset, his energy, his confidence. And I think his ability to just be himself,” Thielen remarked. “It’s difficult at times to be yourself when you first come to a new place and to a new league. You’re just trying to survive instead of being able to truly be yourself.”
Young, a former standout at Mater Dei High and Alabama, faced challenges unlike any he had experienced before during his rookie season with the Panthers. With 15 losses, a league-low passer rating, and a staggering 62 sacks, Young’s resilience was put to the test week after week. However, the Panthers were determined to turn things around for their young quarterback.
The team’s offseason plan revolved around Young, starting with the hiring of head coach Dave Canales, known for his ability to develop quarterbacks such as Baker Mayfield and Geno Smith. The Panthers also bolstered their offensive line with the signings of guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis, while adding more playmakers through trades and the draft.
As Young enters his second year in the league, all eyes are on him to see how he will respond. History suggests that quarterbacks drafted in the top seven picks typically see an increase in production in their sophomore season, a trend the Panthers are hoping Young will follow.
When faced with these statistics, Young remained focused on the task at hand, downplaying the significance of a successful preseason drive against Buffalo. “I definitely appreciate his approach. I think it’s just a great environment to learn, an environment to grow,” Young shared with The Athletic. “Being able to have conversations, be able to talk about things and hear his perspective — and just get as much of what he says and what he means.”
The influence of coaches like Canales and Thomas Brown, who have implemented successful offensive schemes in the past, will be crucial to Young’s development. Canales aims to establish a strong running game and utilize play-action to keep defenses guessing, a strategy that has proven effective with quarterbacks like Russell Wilson.
As the Panthers gear up for the new season, all signs point to a brighter future for Young and the team as they look to make their mark on the league. Time will tell if the changes implemented will lead to success on the field, but one thing is certain – with Young at the helm, the Panthers are poised for greatness.
