The Carolina Panthers are hoping to rebound from a dismal and chaotic 2022 season, and they may actually have a real shot at making the playoffs this winter.
They have a revamped roster, and their biggest new piece is University of Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, whom they took with the No. 1 pick in April’s draft.
They acquired that pick in a big, bold trade with the Chicago Bears.
So far in OTAs, Young has been playing with the second-stringers while veteran Andy Dalton has been handling first-team duties at QB, but not anymore.
On Thursday, Young started to run with the first team, and it appears he has gotten promoted to the starting QB spot.
Bryce Young opens with first team in team drills. Feels like the Panthers are making the switch. He has been second behind Andy Dalton.
—David Newton (@DNewtonespn) June 8, 2023
Young represents not only the Panthers’ hopes for the 2023 season but possibly the next decade or more.
He won the Heisman Trophy for the 2021 season after posting 4,872 passing yards and 47 passing touchdowns, and last year he threw for 3,328 yards and 32 touchdowns.
Some have been concerned about the fact that Young came in at just 5-foot-10 and about 200 pounds during the NFL Scouting Combine, but he may have enough mobility and pocket presence to overcome his modest stature.
Carolina has gotten him some decent weapons to work with at the skill positions, including Pro Bowl running back Miles Sanders and wide receivers DJ Chark and Adam Thielen.
Given the relative lack of depth in the NFC, they could end up making the playoffs if Young comes out of the gate strong and does well during his rookie season.
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