Bryce Young’s 2024 Season: Explosive Beginnings and Unsustainable Patterns
In the 2024 NFL season, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young showcased moments of brilliance that hinted at his potential. However, these flashes of excellence were often overshadowed by inconsistencies and unsustainable play, leading to a challenging year for the young signal-caller.
Early Season Struggles and Benchings
The season commenced with high expectations for Young, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick. Unfortunately, his performance in the opening games was underwhelming. Against the New Orleans Saints, he completed only 13 of 30 passes for 161 yards, two interceptions, and a passer rating of 32.8, including a 0.0 rating under pressure. This led to head coach Dave Canales benching him in favor of veteran Andy Dalton after an 0–2 start.
Despite the benching, Young’s performance remained a topic of discussion. In non-garbage time situations, his QBR dropped to a concerning 1.4, with an average of just 1.1 yards per dropback. These statistics were among the worst in the league, raising questions about his readiness and the team’s offensive scheme.
Midseason Resurgence and Offensive Line Improvements
Following the benching, Young returned to the starting role and displayed signs of growth. His sack numbers decreased from 62 in his rookie season to 29 in 2024, indicating improved decision-making and pocket awareness. This improvement was partly attributed to the Panthers’ investment in their offensive line, with guards Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt bolstering the interior protection. Their efforts contributed to a more stable offensive line, allowing Young to operate more confidently.
Additionally, the Panthers secured a notable victory against the New York Giants in Week 10, showcasing their potential when executing effectively.
Inconsistencies and Unsustainable Play
Despite moments of improvement, Young’s performance remained inconsistent. In a Week 13 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he faced the highest pressure rate of any quarterback that season, being pressured on 68.6% of his dropbacks. Despite this, he managed to throw for 203 yards and two touchdowns, albeit without an interception. While these statistics were commendable, they highlighted the volatility in his performances, with some games marked by turnovers and missed opportunities.
Team Dynamics and Organizational Challenges
The Panthers’ overall performance mirrored Young’s inconsistencies. Finishing the season with a 5–12 record, the team struggled defensively, setting an NFL record for most points allowed in a season with 534. This defensive vulnerability placed additional pressure on the offense, making it challenging for Young to find rhythm.
Moreover, the Panthers’ decision to trade up to the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft, sending multiple assets to the Chicago Bears, was scrutinized. The Bears used those assets to select quarterback Caleb Williams, who had an impressive rookie season, leading to comparisons between the two quarterbacks and raising questions about the Panthers’ draft strategy.
Looking Ahead: Development and Expectations
As the Panthers move forward, the focus will be on developing Young into a consistent and reliable quarterback. This will involve continued investment in the offensive line, acquiring playmakers, and fostering a supportive environment for Young’s growth. While his 2024 season had its challenges, the potential remains for him to evolve into a franchise cornerstone with the right support and development.
