Franchise Cornerstone Named Panthers' Breakout Player of 2024
By Joe Summers
Bryce Young's development is the most important storyline surrounding the Panthers entering the season under new head coach Dave Canales. His supporting cast is miles ahead of where it was last year, and a strong season from Young will help prove Carolina didn't make a mistake trading the farm for him in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Anthony Rizzuti of Panthers Wire believes Young is positioned for an excellent campaign, naming him the Panthers' top breakout player of 2024.
If Rizzuti is right and Young delivers on his immense promise, Carolina will be competing for a playoff spot sooner than you think.
QB Bryce Young Named Panthers' Top Breakout Candidate of 2024
You should take Bryce Young seriously as a breakout candidate.
— Moody (@EricNMoody) June 21, 2024
The Panthers added Diontae Johnson, Jonathon Brooks and Xavier Legette this offseason.
New head coach Dave Canales should also help his development: pic.twitter.com/2FLGaSbyeG
Young suffered through one of the worst rookie seasons for a QB in recent memory, though his situation was so poor it's hard to know how much blame to put at his feet. He completed only 59.8% of his passes at 5.5 yards per attempt, throwing 11 TDs to 10 interceptions while taking 62 sacks.
It was bad. However, as Rizutti writes, "the Panthers have seemingly done everything in their power to set up the 2023 No. 1 overall pick for success in 2024."
He continues, "They’d proceed to strike at the beginning of the league year—signing over a combined $150 million to new starting guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis, and acquiring former Pro Bowl wideout Diontae Johnson from Pittsburgh. Then, as the cherry on top, they nabbed some promising playmakers in the draft including receiver Xavier Legette, running back Jonathon Brooks and tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders."
At the least, Young no longer has any excuses. Carolina can reasonably expect to win 6-8 games, if not more, provided the offense gets competent QB play. The organization committed hefty resources to the interior of the offensive line and to skill-position groups, leaving no stone unturned to ensure Young can be properly evaluated.
The former Alabama star and Heisman Trophy winner faces a lot of pressure but is set up for success. For the Panthers' collective sake, fingers crossed Rizutti is right about Young's upcoming season.
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