Coach Frank Reich wasted little time in appointing rookie Bryce Young, the top pick in the NFL draft, as the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons game on September 10th.
Reich stated on Wednesday, “he is the starting quarterback,” expressing today that we had a vision and envisioned selecting Bryce when we made the decision.
In June, the choice appeared forthcoming after he assumed control of primary-team exercises from seasoned Andy Dalton during structured team exercises at Wofford College, even though the declaration arrived following the conclusion of the Young’s initial training camp session.
The 2015 campaign garnered league MVP accolades for that year, and Newton was also selected as the top pick. Following in the footsteps of Cam Newton in 2011, Young, a two-year starter at Alabama and the recipient of the 2021 Heisman Trophy, will be the first rookie to commence a season opener for the Panthers.
Reich promised to remain patient as Young progresses as a newcomer.
Reich said, “Let’s go, buddy, you’ve already mentioned that. Bryce knows how it feels to be on edge when we’re playing poorly. Nobody is panicking, but we need to step up our game. It’s important to acknowledge that both our playing and coaching skills are strong. We don’t want to overcomplicate things or put too much pressure on ourselves. We just want to focus on the process and maintain our expectations.”
The Panthers made a commitment to draft D.J. Moore, a wide receiver from the Bears in the eighth spot, and traded away four draft picks when they moved up.
David Tepper, the owner of the Panthers, expects the team to win several Super Bowls under Young’s leadership, as he stated in April, setting a high bar.
Reich understands that there will be some highs and lows throughout this season.
He stated, “No one present will attempt to anticipate how the first year will unfold. You simply cannot ascertain. We will strive to refrain from engaging in such predictions, both as coaches and players.”
Young described being named the starter so early in camp as “an immense blessing”.
We are all together in this team. There are a lot of things I want to keep improving and growing in. I want to make sure I take things day by day. It doesn’t change my approach for me, but it means a lot,” Young said.
The small but highly successful Young appeared impressive in his initial unpadded practice at Wofford, primarily participating in 6-on-8 exercises.
After spending the past 10 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, wide receiver Adam Thielen, who signed with the Panthers, completed his first two pass attempts as a 190-pound, 10-foot-5 signal caller.
Young mentioned that he experienced some anxiousness before the practice session but calmed down quite rapidly.
“The greater number of repetitions, the more I am able to gradually experience a sense of comfort,” Young expressed.
OTAs and in his opinion, the 22-year-old executed impressive throws, particularly a long pass to D.J. Chark when he had to release the ball quickly due to being pressured in the pocket. Reich mentioned that Young demonstrated strong “mental continuity”.
In the preseason, Reich believed there was no necessity to delay any further in appointing Young as the starter, a decision that will ultimately enable him to accumulate more repetitions.
Craig and Julie, the parents of Young, attended their son’s initial training camp session and observed from the sideline.
Craig Young chuckled, “I was unable to sleep last evening. It was somewhat akin to rehearsing. I was eagerly anticipating arriving here, observing him donning the attire and witnessing him in his natural state.”
Julie Young expressed that she is extremely proud of her son.