Nick Saban blames Bryce Young’s struggles on lack of support in Panthers’ offense post the QB’s unceremonious benching

Nick Saban, who managed Bryce Young at Alabama Crimson Tide, implied that the Carolina Panthers did not help the quarterback enough for him to show his talent.

Nick Saban blames Bryce Young’s struggles on lack of support in Panthers’ offense post the QB’s unceremonious benching

Nick Saban backs Bryce Young and blames Carolina Panthers (Image via IMAGO/ X)

Nick Saban held the Carolina Panthers accountable for Bryce Young’s struggles in the NFL. Young, who played for the veteran head coach during his Alabama Crimson Tide days, was benched by the Panthers in favor of Andy Dalton after just two games into the 2024 season.

Saban joined Pat McAfee for his weekly dose of college football and provided his view of Bryce Young’s situation. He launched a scathing attack on the Carolina franchise for not providing support for 2023’s first overall pick.

YouTube video
Quarterback is a really hard position to play if the people around you don't play well. Sometimes the quarterback gets too much credit, and I also think sometimes when things don't go well, the quarterback gets too much blame.
Nick Saban said

Young’s rookie campaign went as horrible as one can imagine. He won just two games with a pass completion rate of 59.8 (one of the lowest among starting quarterbacks). The Alabama product only threw 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

FS Video

The Panthers appointed a new head coach, Dave Canales, to inject some fresh ideas into the team. Canales went to work adding weapons like Diontae Johnson to the offense, but it hasn’t worked out so far.

RELATED
Vikings’ Justin Jefferson dismisses doubts of not playing against the Houston Texans
Justin Jefferson

Last season, their main struggles revolved around a leaky offensive line that allowed 62 sacks on Bryce Young. The trend has continued in 2024, as Young was already sacked six times before being benched.

I hate to see Bryce get benched, but I also don't see a lot of opportunity for him to be successful based on the skill players they have around him, the offensive line they have around him… I think he's the type of player that can operate well when he has good players around him.
Nick Saban added

Will the Panthers trade Bryce Young?

There have been murmurs about a possible trade if Young continues to sit on the bench and watch Dalton play. Quarterback-needy teams such as the Miami Dolphins would pounce on the chance to secure the 23-year-old given the uncertainty around Tua Tagovailoa’s future after his recent concussion.

Nick Saban blames Bryce Young's struggles on lack of support in Panthers' offense post the QB’s unceremonious benching
Bryce Young (Image via IMAGO)

Then there’s the Los Angeles Rams with an aging Matthew Stafford. While the Super Bowl winner is still going strong, head coach Sean McVay must focus on the future of the franchise.

That being said, Canales isn’t ready to give up on Young just yet. According to the Athletic’s Joe Parsons, Canales has no plans of trading the Heisman Trophy winner.

That's not something we're considering. We have a great situation with our quarterbacks right now with guys that have experience. We love where we're at.
Dave Canales said
RELATED
Josh Allen gives valuable advice to Caleb Williams amidst his struggles as the Chicago Bears QB
Josh Allen gives valuable advice to Caleb Williams amidst his struggles as the Chicago Bears quarterback

For the time being, Dalton will deputize, and his first game of the season is against the Las Vegas Raiders, who are flying high after defeating the Baltimore Ravens in week 2.