It seems the 21-year-old Bryce Young is getting more reps during practice than veteran Andy Dalton. “It’s the next step,” said Carolina Panthers coach Frank Reich, as he confided that Young will be the starting quarterback for the team in the 2023 NFL season.
Even though Dalton was listed as the starter and participated in the first team’s OTAs, things changed earlier this week. Bryce, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, impressed the coaching staff and carved his way onto the first team. Reich seemed very pleased with him in a recent interview: “We had a couple of weeks to watch, and he (Andy) has continued to perform at a very high level.”
Young wasn’t even the second choice when he joined the team, as Matt Corral was ahead of him in the pecking order. He was signed as a backup to Dalton, but it seems Young has jumped ahead of them.
Reich has assured everyone that Bryce will continue to train with the first team and learn the ropes during the remainder of the OTAs. The Panthers have a 3-day mandatory camp next week, and Bryce Young will be looking to give it his all.
Young, while talking to the reporters after the practice, revealed that he is grateful for the opportunity. The Alabama graduate said, “I’m grateful to be accepted by the team, a great group of guys.”
Panthers wide receiver DJ Chark practiced with Young and caught some of his deep throws. Chark has high hopes for the team’s newest rookie. He said, “We believe he can take us to some really high places.”
Bryce Young finds a mentor in Andy Dalton
When NFL insider Jonathan Jones predicted that the Panthers would choose Bryce Young over C.J. Stroud as their first pick, fans were confused at first. But now it seems Young is proving why the Panthers decided to put every egg in his basket.
Replacing Andy Dalton is not an easy feat, as the 35-year-old will be entering his 13th NFL season. Although he has been a regular for the Cincinnati Bengals, Dalton became a free agent in 2021 when the Chicago Bears released him. The Panthers signed the three-time Pro Bowl selection on a two-year, $10 million deal with $8 million guaranteed in 2023.
When Dalton signed, it was evident, he would be the starting quarterback and Young his understudy. However, a few weeks into the OTAs and with Young showing his capabilities on the field, things quickly changed.
Nevertheless, Dalton is ready to help the rookie and assume the mentor’s role. “I definitely think that I’m still one of the 32 best guys out there,” said Dalton. But he also mentioned that his goal is to be a role model for the rookies and lead from the front.
Coach Reich only has good things to say about Dalton: “He’s (Dalton) practicing at a super-high level; it’s equally impressive how he’s handled the role knowing we drafted the No. 1 (Bryce Young) guy.”
Rich also mentioned Dalton is helping Young become ready before the season begins. While talking to the press, Dalton revealed that he was not here to compete with Young.
The Panthers seem to have the right man for the job in Dalton, as he has proven himself while playing for the Bengals, whom he took to five playoffs, twice as division champions. He ranks fourth among the active quarterbacks (Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, and Matthew Stafford) in the NFL with 86 career wins.
However, for Young to start their opening match against the Atlanta Falcons, he needs to learn the ropes faster.
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