Starting the season 0-2 might not have led the Panthers to take their formal No.1 overall draft pick out of their lineup. However, big defeats against the Chargers and Saints might have led to this decision. Well, just 18 starts to his NFL career, Bryce Young is staring down the barrel with dark clouds shimmering above his head.

Since this decision came out of Carolina, multiple eyebrows have been raised towards the Panthers’ management for their mishandling of the former Heisman trophy winner. Joining that group is Steelers’ defensive tackle Cam Heyward, who blasts into the Panthers’ decision of sacking Bryce Young to the bench, “I know we are in an instant gratification culture, but be patient people. Let him grow. Peyton Manning’s first year led the league in interceptions. I was in a situation just before you. I didn’t play my first three years where I needed to, you know, learn how to be a pro. Pat Mahomes even got time to stay behind Alex Smith and learn the system.”

Well, Heyward is on point with his examples, as Mahomes spending time under Alex Smith led to him thriving upon taking the starting position at Arrowhead. From the moment he took over, the Chiefs became a force to be reckoned with. Chasing their three-peat dream, Patrick Mahomes is slated to lead from the front while hoping to bring his fourth Super Bowl title this season.

However, Heyward isn’t the only one who has bashed the Panthers’ management for their decision to bench the 23-year-old. NBA legend LeBron James took to X to express his support for Young, “Rooting for you and know this ain’t on you! Continue to put the work in, and it shall prevail!” Young support didn’t stop there as he received one from former NFL QB Ryan Leaf, who had to face a similar situation after getting drafted by the Chargers in 1998.

“They screwed this thing up from the get-go. I mean this organization is horrible. This organization has done nothing to try to help and develop a player that has so much expectation on him. And so, I laid this at the feet of the organization completely,” Leaf shared. However, looking at the situation in Carolina, is the management only to be blamed? Or does Young have to take responsibility for his dismal start to his NFL career?

Bryce Young’s performances led him to the bench in Carolina

After the Panthers decided to make Bryce Young the No.1 overall draft last season. Most of them in Carolina thought they had found the man to take the franchise forward. However, Young record in 18 games is the worst for any QB who was picked as No.1 in the draft. Standing as one of the shortest players in the league at 5 foot 10 inches, Young’s height hasn’t benefited his time on the field.

Looking at his start to the season, the Panthers QB has no touchdowns while throwing 3 interceptions in two matches. His 9.1 OBR is among the worst to be recorded in the NFL over two games. Well, those horrific stats don’t end there, as the Panthers haven’t had a passing TD for their last four games in the NFL. At the same time, they have thrown less than 150 yards for the totality of those games.

This brings us back to the 2009 Raiders when JaMarcus Russell posted similar numbers, thereby questioning his abilities at the top. Speaking about performances that led to the Panthers losing their second of the season, Young stated, “I draw my confidence from the Lord. I’m very blessed. I’m grateful for this challenge. Not an ideal start, but God does everything for a reason. I have faith in that.” 

Will Young’s faith in his capabilities help him get over the horror he is facing in Carolina? Or will this be the final nail in the coffin to his first chapter in the NFL? Only time will tell as the Panthers search for their first win of the season without Young starting against the Raiders in Las Vegas.

With that being said, do check out our latest Think Tank exclusive interview with Doug Sanders. To get an exclusive insight about the current NFL season, college football and more.