New Cowboys Running Back’s Past Struggles With Panthers Tied to Bryce Young, Says NFL Insider.
When the Dallas Cowboys signed their new running back this offseason, many fans immediately turned their attention to his previous stint with the Carolina Panthers. On the surface, his production numbers from Carolina didn’t reflect the explosive potential he flashed in college or what scouts expected coming into the league. However, a new report from an NFL insider suggests that his underwhelming performance in Charlotte wasn’t just about his own development or fit—it may have had everything to do with the quarterback situation, specifically with former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young.
According to the insider, the relationship between a quarterback and his offensive playmakers is far more delicate and influential than most fans understand. A running back doesn’t operate in a vacuum. His effectiveness is heavily tied to how defenses perceive the quarterback threat, how well the offense functions in rhythm, and whether the game script allows the team to commit to the run. In Carolina, none of those conditions were particularly favorable, and it had a direct impact on the running back’s output.
Bryce Young entered the NFL with a mountain of expectations after being selected first overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Coming off a stellar collegiate career at Alabama, he was touted as an elite processor, accurate passer, and natural leader. The Panthers were banking on him becoming their franchise quarterback. But his rookie campaign was anything but smooth. A leaky offensive line, a limited receiving corps, and a coaching staff in transition created a storm of issues that held back the entire offense. And at the center of that offensive instability was a quarterback still adjusting to the speed and complexity of the NFL.
The insider emphasized that the running back’s struggles in Carolina weren’t necessarily due to a lack of talent or work ethic. Instead, the dysfunction surrounding Bryce Young’s first year as a starter affected the entire offense’s tempo and predictability. Opposing defenses didn’t respect the Panthers’ ability to push the ball downfield, stacking the box and daring Young to beat them through the air. This put the running back in a bind. With no space to operate and defenders collapsing the line of scrimmage on nearly every snap, he was consistently met in the backfield or bottled up before he could make a meaningful gain.
Game script was another major factor. The Panthers often found themselves trailing early in games, forcing the offense into a pass-heavy approach in catch-up mode. That not only limited the number of carries the running back received but also removed the play-action threat that could have helped keep defenses honest. The few opportunities he did get were often telegraphed run calls that defenders anticipated with ease. No running back can thrive under those circumstances, regardless of talent.
Another issue was the lack of chemistry and rhythm between the quarterback and running back, particularly in the screen game and checkdowns. Young, still acclimating to NFL defenses and adjusting to blitz pressure, often missed quick-release opportunities that could have given the running back room to create in space. Screens were mistimed, outlets were overlooked, and dump-offs were infrequent. Instead of utilizing the back as a safety valve or weapon in open space, the Panthers’ offense rendered him an afterthought.
The insider made it clear that this running back was miscast in Carolina’s offensive system. He was not the kind of back to thrive in a stagnant offense without motion, misdirection, or creativity. He needed spacing, tempo, and an offensive identity built on balance. Unfortunately, the Panthers were far from providing that during his tenure. It’s not uncommon for talented players to underperform in chaotic environments—especially young backs who are still adapting to the professional game and require support, both schematically and situationally, to succeed.
Fast forward to the present day and the picture is much different. The Cowboys saw beyond the surface-level stats. They looked at the tape, the circumstances, and the untapped potential. They saw a player who was never given a fair chance to shine, whose environment worked against him, and who could flourish in a more stable and productive offense. Dallas brings that stability. Their offensive line, though not as dominant as in previous years, still ranks as one of the better units in the NFL. Their quarterback is a proven veteran who commands respect from defenses, and their play-action game has long been a strength.
The Cowboys also offer a much clearer offensive identity and continuity in coaching. Unlike the revolving door of philosophies and schemes the running back endured in Carolina, Dallas operates with a far more structured system under Mike McCarthy. That continuity will be a breath of fresh air. With consistent blocking, better spacing, and a more efficient passing game to keep defenses honest, the backfield in Dallas could finally become a place where this player reaches his full potential.
The running back himself has expressed optimism about the move. In interviews, he’s acknowledged the challenges in Carolina but has avoided blaming anyone directly. Still, his tone has made it clear that the environment in Dallas feels more supportive and focused. He has spoken about how refreshing it is to be part of an offense where every detail is mapped out, where players are held accountable, and where there’s a real plan for success.
Teammates have taken notice too. Several Cowboys veterans have spoken about his quick burst, toughness, and versatility in training camp. They’ve been impressed with his ability to contribute in the passing game and pick up blitzes—two areas that were overlooked in Carolina’s system. Coaches have commented on how eager he is to learn and how he’s attacking every rep like it’s his last. That hunger could be the spark that reignites his career.
Bryce Young, for his part, is entering a critical second season with Carolina. While much of the focus will be on his development and how he adjusts with a revamped coaching staff and new weapons, there will be lingering questions about how much his rookie struggles affected those around him. Quarterbacks are evaluated not just on their own performance but on how well they elevate the players around them. In that respect, Young’s rookie season left a lot to be desired. Whether he can grow into a player who makes others better remains to be seen.
The insider’s report has opened a broader conversation about how teams evaluate young talent and the importance of context. Too often, fans and even media analysts are quick to label a player a bust without fully understanding the circumstances. For running backs especially, success is often determined as much by situation and support as it is by pure skill. Carolina’s offensive dysfunction masked the ability of a talented back who simply needed the right environment to succeed.
Now, in Dallas, he gets that second chance. The expectations will be high, but so is the potential. With a better supporting cast, a more cohesive game plan, and a defense that should keep games within reach, the Cowboys can afford to lean on the running game in ways the Panthers never could. And that could be the difference. This isn’t just about redemption—it’s about finally giving a player the conditions necessary to succeed and watching what happens when talent is matched with opportunity.
If the insider is right, Cowboys fans may be witnessing the start of a major turnaround. What once looked like a disappointing start to a career may soon be recast as a necessary learning phase in an otherwise promising journey. The NFL is full of stories like this—players who falter in one city only to find new life in another. And for this particular running back, the road to Dallas may very well be the one that defines his legacy.
