Analysts name ways Panthers QB Bryce Young could improve

Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young is experiencing a rough start to his NFL career, but a couple of analysts mentioned ways the first overall pick of this year's draft could start turning things around beginning with this Sunday's home game against the 3-3 Houston Texans. 

"Young...must play faster and be more decisive as a thrower," NFL analyst Matt Bowen said for an ESPN piece published on Thursday. "He has averaged just 5.3 yards per attempt (tied for worst) and taken 16 sacks (tied for 11th most). Yes, the Panthers can be better in pass protection, especially on the interior, but there are throws to be made on the tape. Young has to be more willing to cut it loose. And cutting down on the unnecessary movement we are seeing at the top of his drop would improve his eye level in the pocket."  

As noted by ESPN stats, Young heads into Week 8 ranked last in the NFL among qualified players with a 32.1 adjusted QBR and 29th with a 78.7 passer rating. He missed the Week 3 loss at the Seattle Seahawks because of an ankle injury and tossed six touchdown passes and four interceptions over his first five games. 

It was thought long before the Panthers picked Young over C.J. Stroud, Houston's starter and the draft's second overall choice, that the former Alabama Crimson Tide star would make more plays with his legs on Sundays. Instead, Young accumulated just 65 rushing yards across five contests. 

"I'm surprised Young has only eight rushing attempts (including scrambles)," NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid explained. "Part of the reason the Panthers took him at No. 1 was his off-script creation and ability to turn negative plays into positive outcomes, but we haven't seen those flash plays in the pros...The key to getting him on track might be getting him outside of structure a little more." 

ESPN Panthers reporter David Newton mentioned that Carolina needs "a true No. 1 receiver, particularly one with speed" as soon as possible. Unfortunately for Young, he's not getting that type of weapon before next spring at the earliest. 

Panthers head coach Frank Reich repeatedly made it known this week he has no regrets about drafting Young over Stroud even though outlets such as OddsChecker list Houston's QB1 as the betting favorite (-175 odds) to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. If Young continues to struggle and the Panthers remain winless, Reich and his staff may need to have conversations about giving the first-year pro a reset by sitting him before Week 18.