Coach has theory on struggles of Panthers' Bryce Young this season

One coach "speaking on the condition of anonymity" suggested during a chat with David Newton of ESPN that Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young became overly cautious ("particularly on deep throws") after Young tossed a pair of interceptions in his regular-season debut, a 24-10 loss at the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 10.

"It does that to most quarterbacks," the coach explained. "You throw a couple of picks and you're, 'OK, I'm going to get a little bit conservative until I get a little bit of mojo back.' There just wasn't enough mojo created to overcome the negative stuff."

Young had plenty of "negative stuff" to deal with as a rookie who was thrust into the starting lineup this past summer. In early December, Joseph Person and Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported on a supposed "Hunger Games" culture within the Panthers that played a part in team owner David Tepper firing head coach Frank Reich on Nov. 27. Tepper later dismissed general manager Scott Fitterer after Week 18, but such changes may not result in Young becoming an overnight sensation this coming fall. 

As early as September, unnamed NFL personnel voiced concerns over the fact that Young, who measured at 5-foot-10 1/8 and weighed 204 pounds at last year's scouting combine, seemed "small" in the pocket. More recently, one-time Most Valuable Player and current CBS Sports NFL analyst Boomer Esiason said this week that Young looked "like he should still be in high school, or playing behind the best offensive line in college at Alabama because he is not physically ready to play in the NFL." 

According to ESPN stats, Young ended his rookie season ranked 29th in the NFL among qualified players with a 33.4 adjusted QBR, 34th with a 73.7 passer rating and 33rd with a 59.8% completion percentage. Across 16 games, the 22-year-old threw 11 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions. 

Whether or not Young can create "enough mojo" working with a different coaching staff later this year shall be seen.