How Panthers' Bryce Young has 'gone to another level' after 2024 benching

The relationship between Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young and head coach Dave Canales was called into question last fall after Canales benched a struggling Young just two weeks into the 2024 campaign. 

Young ultimately returned to the lineup later in the season and played like an improved product. For an article published on Thursday, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer indicated that Young has been on the same page as his coaches throughout a pivotal offseason regarding his future in Carolina. 

"Young’s work with Canales and (offensive coordinator) Brad Idzik has, indeed, gone to another level over the last four months," Breer wrote. "The offense is now tailored more to Young, and he’s playing faster as a result — he’s also comfortable with the calls, checks and his cadence in a way he wasn’t coming out of Alabama."

It's possible that Young would've remained on the sidelines through Week 18 of the 2024 season had veteran Andy Dalton stayed healthy. However, Dalton suffered a sprained thumb in a car accident last October, and Young then played well enough to remain atop the depth chart through January. 

Over 10 starts to close the campaign out, Young completed 61.8 percent of 319 passes for 2,104 yards with 15 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also rushed for 223 yards and five scores.

"He’s come far enough to where he can now lead the larger offensive group in meetings," Breer added about Young. "And his relationship with the coaches is at a point where he can push back on things he might see or disagree with that will help the Panthers get a better answer. From the sounds of it, after last year’s benching, Young, Canales, Idzik and the rest of the staff are moving in lockstep."

That said, neither Canales nor Idzik was with the Panthers when the club made Young the first overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. Thus, Canales could pressure the organization to find an upgrade at the position if Young regresses. 

Carolina opens the 2025 season at the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 7.