Panthers Turn to Bryce Young in Hope of Revival Against Broncos
The Carolina Panthers are shaking things up once again as they reinsert Bryce Young into the starting quarterback position for this Sunday’s critical road matchup against the Denver Broncos. This move comes after Young’s brief stint on the bench, and the team is optimistic that the second-year signal-caller can turn his fortunes around.
Young, who was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Alabama, has faced significant challenges since stepping onto the NFL stage. His performance has been inconsistent, but Panthers coach Dave Canales remains unwavering in his support. “He’s been a great player throughout this process,” Canales stated. “He put in the work… The guys supported Bryce; look how hard he worked.”
Meanwhile, the Broncos, currently sitting at a respectable 4-3, are focused on their own game plan. Coach Sean Payton acknowledged that while they must study their opponents, the emphasis will remain on their preparation. “We certainly have to study the opponent, but our preparation and all the things we have to do to be ready to play the games, to play our best game, are what will be in the spotlight,” Payton said.
With a disheartening 1-6 record and a four-game losing streak, the Panthers find themselves in a precarious position as the only NFC team without at least two wins. After a brief but impactful appearance last week at Washington, Young will be looking to reclaim his status as the team’s leader, a role he lost after Andy Dalton took the reins and led the team in the last five games.
This weekend, Young will face yet another rookie quarterback in Denver’s Bo Nix. Nix has proven to be a dual threat, showcasing his ability to make plays with both his legs and arm, ranking as the team’s second-leading rusher while tossing five touchdowns to five interceptions. “It gives you some flexibility, particularly on third down or in the red zone,” Payton noted.
The Broncos have had a mixed bag at home, boasting a 1-2 record this season. This game against Carolina marks their only home game in four weeks, and Payton is aware of the importance of seizing this opportunity. “Being more consistent,” he emphasized, “is obviously taking advantage of playing in front of your fans, the noise of the crowd… all those things that can help you win.”
Despite the mounting losses, Canales maintains a positive outlook, believing in the resilience that difficult times can cultivate. “I know that difficult times create perseverance,” he affirmed.
In roster news, the Broncos might see the return of Patrick Surtain II from concussion protocol, while linebacker Cody Barton has been named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week. Meanwhile, the Panthers are hopeful for the return of receiver Adam Thielen and safety Jordan Fuller, both recovering from hamstring injuries and designated to return from injured reserve this week. Canales stated, “We need to make sure they can have a good week of training and then we will make the decisions.”
Payton, familiar with the Panthers from his time as head coach of the New Orleans Saints, is preparing his team for the challenge ahead. The Broncos have already claimed victories against NFC teams like Tampa Bay and New Orleans this season. With a scheduling quirk, Carolina finds themselves facing an opponent that had extra days to prepare, as this is the second time in three games they’ve encountered a team coming off a Thursday night game.
As the Panthers gear up for this pivotal clash, the anticipation is palpable. Can Bryce Young rise to the occasion and lead his team to a much-needed victory? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: NFL fans will be glued to their screens to witness the drama unfold!
