“If you didn’t want to believe in me, that’s OK, because I’ll make a believer out of you.” That’s what Bills’ QB Josh Allen said in 2017 about how he handled the doubt from Wyoming Cowboys fans back in 2015. Fast forward to 2024, and Bryce Young needs to channel that same underdog spirit. But there’s one question that comes to mind. After a rocky rookie season, much of it down to the Carolina Panthers roster, can Young pull off a comeback? According to this NFL insider, he can very well do that this year!

Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show on August 8th, Panthers reporter Sheena Quick didn’t hesitate when asked if the team still had faith in Bryce Young. Her response was as clear as a clean pocket: “There is a massive belief because there was so much tied into him, and last year was just not a fair assessment whatsoever.” And why wouldn’t there be? Young’s got the raw talent, and what he needs now is the team to rally around him—not just on the sidelines but right there on the gridiron. Quick’s take on Carolina’s confidence in their young QB? It’s all about the support system.

For starters, the Panthers are flipping the script with some major shakeups. Enter Dave Canales, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers OC, and Dan Morgan, the new GM with a knack for building winners. The Panthers’ overhaul is more than just a change of scenery—it’s a game plan to rebuild from an abysmal 2-15 record from the 2023 season. Quick points out, “They’ve made a lot of changes in the offensive line. They brought in some receivers. So I expect him to take a leap forward this year.” And with a revamped line and new faces on the receiving end, it looks possible for the 23-year-old.

Last season, Young was tossed into a situation tougher than a fourth-and-long, with more downs than ups. But this year, the franchise has transformed into one of the NFL’s most improved units. Especially the wide receiver corps, which got a major boost. The Panthers snagged South Carolina standout Xavier Legette in the draft and traded for former Steelers receiver Diontae Johnson.

Now, Johnson may not be music to the ears of an average NFL fan. But he’s got the moves to make defenders miss. In Pittsburgh, he proved he’s one of the game’s best at getting open, posting at least five touchdown catches and 680 yards each year—except for the 2022 season. Look at Johnson’s numbers below.

With these targets in his huddle, Young could finally have the support he needs to light up the scoreboard and silence the doubters.

On the topic of the Panthers’ WRs, don’t sleep on Jonathan Mingo. That’s what Sheena echoed. He might be flying under the radar, but remember, he’s a rookie who’s been working hard. Per the reporter, he had some serious one-on-one time with Steve Smith this offseason.

Mingo is showing up at training camp looking like he’s leveled up from a practice squad player to a Pro Bowl contender. With his new skills, Young’s offense is ready to go from a bumpy ride to a high-speed touchdown drive. As Sheena Quick puts it, “I think that there will be a leap from Bryce Young because everyone around him is seemingly better.”

But what expectations can be deemed ‘realistic expectations’ for Bryce Young in 2024?

Bryce Young’s set for a sophomore leap, per this ex-NFLer!

There’s no sugarcoating it—Bryce Young’s rookie year with the Carolina Panthers was a rough ride. But hey, when you’re the top draft pick, you’re usually headed to a team that’s more fumbles than touchdowns. So, struggles are part of the playbook. While rookie phenoms like C.J. Stroud and Cam Newton might set the bar sky-high, they’re the exceptions, not the rule. The real test? How a quarterback bounces back in their second season—also called the sophomore leap.

Enter 2024, and there’s hope that Young is gearing up for that critical second-year jump. Sure, his fantasy football numbers might not light up the scoreboard. But when it comes to real-life stats, former linebacker turned ESPN’s senior reporter Mike Clay has some optimistic predictions. Young’s passing stats are set to improve across the board, except for his interceptions, which will likely stay steady.

But that’s not the end of the story. The real highlight? A significant drop in sacks, which could be a game-changer for Young and the Panthers. Let’s compare Carolina’s jersey number 8 in the 2023 season to Clay’s expectations of him in 2024.

As these numbers suggest, if Young can take fewer sacks and stay upright, the Panthers might just have their signal-caller of the future. So, as the season sets to kick off, new HC Dave Canales comes with hope for the Panther Nation. And hope for the young QB as well!

But the question remains: Will Bryce Young rise to the occasion and deliver the sophomore leap fans are hoping for? Let us know your thoughts!