Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young has struggled all season long and his performance in Sunday's loss to New Orleans may have been his worst.
Young finished the game completing 13-of-36 pass attempts for 137 yards. If you're trying to do the math, that's a completion percentage of 36%. He was faced with pressure, per usual, but looked overwhelmed by it even if they Saints didn't quite get home.
With the Panthers eliminated from playoff contention and the offensive line being as bad as its been, our own Matt Alquiza suggested that Carolina turns things over to Andy Dalton for the final four games of the season.
Since taking over the interim role, Tabor has stood in Young's corner when fielding questions from the media and today was no different. I asked Tabor if there is still any benefit to playing Young given the circumstances.
His response:
"I think one way to become a better football player is playing football. That's a pretty simple statement. The only way you're going to gain experience in the National Football League is by playing. I have a tremendous amount of confidence in Bryce. And I know there's games and plays that he's going to want back, but no, that hasn't come into play. It has not."
To some extent, I agree. The only way you're going to improve is by facing live bullets as opposed to sitting on the sideline. However, confidence plays a big part in the development of a young quarterback. For a kid that has experienced very little failure prior to arriving in Carolina, this weekly routine of taking hits, not moving the ball, and losing could be a huge hit to his confidence.
The Panthers have never questioned his ability to overcome adversity, but at some point, taking a step back may not be a bad idea.
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