Bryce Young and Anthony Richardson find new momentum after benching

In recent weeks, Bryce Young and Anthony Richardson have showcased significant improvement in their respective NFL careers after being benched early in the season. Bryce Young, selected as the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, faced challenges in his initial games with the Carolina Panthers which led to him being benched. After regaining his starting position, Young displayed remarkable performance in his games, particularly in a close match against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he nearly secured an overtime victory, demonstrating growth and maturity on the field. As of now, Young has completed 60.4% of his passes, with notable stats of 1,062 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions, significantly improving his game since his initial struggles. On the other hand, Anthony Richardson of the Indianapolis Colts also experienced a similar journey following his initial season debut. After starting just ten games last year, Richardson faced setbacks when he was benched in favor of veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. This decision allowed Richardson the opportunity to witness the game from a different perspective, ultimately rejuvenating his approach when he was restored to the starting lineup. In his subsequent three games as a starter, Richardson led the Colts to two comeback victories, displaying both resilience and talent. His recent game against the New England Patriots was a standout moment, where he threw a critical touchdown pass and made a game-winning two-point conversion. Both players, though on different teams, have shown the importance of patience and the benefits of taking time off the field to reflect and learn. As of their latest appearances, both Young and Richardson have generated optimism among coaches and fans alike regarding their potential to be franchise quarterbacks, countering early doubts about their abilities. The experiences of these two young quarterbacks underscore that being benched can sometimes provide necessary space for reflection, ultimately contributing to improved performance when they return to play. Both Bryce Young and Anthony Richardson still have a long way to go to establish themselves fully as consistent starting quarterbacks in the NFL, but their recent performances following their benchings have fostered renewed hope and optimism in their respective franchises. As they continue to develop in their careers, their experiences can serve as valuable lessons for other young quarterbacks navigating the volatile environment of professional football.