Panthers look for Bryce Young’s growth in Year 2

Bryce Young, the Panthers' quarterback, is entering his second year after a challenging rookie season where the team struggled offensively, ranking last in total yards and scoring. Young averaged 15.8 rushing yards per game, indicating his potential as a dual-threat quarterback. The Panthers have made coaching changes, hiring Canales after a brief tenure by Frank Reich, aiming to enhance Young's performance and confidence on the field. Young's ability to adapt and grow is crucial, as historical data shows that many quarterbacks improve significantly in their second year. The Panthers are optimistic about Young's development, drawing parallels to other successful quarterbacks who experienced a Year 2 bump. Young's experience at Alabama, where he started 27 games, is expected to contribute positively to his growth in the NFL. The coaching staff emphasizes the importance of allowing Young to play freely and make plays, which could lead to better offensive production. Conversations with veteran players like Mayfield have also been beneficial for Young, helping him understand the game better and build his confidence. The Panthers are committed to a run-heavy offense, which they believe will complement Young's skills, particularly with play-action and rollouts. This strategy aims to create a more dynamic offense that can score more effectively. Ultimately, the Panthers are banking on Young's growth this season to validate their decision to select him as the No. 1 pick. The team's success hinges on his ability to learn from last year’s challenges and translate that into improved performance on the field.