Bryce Young continues to captivate attention during the Carolina Panthers’ fall training camp, further solidifying his reputation as a promising quarterback despite ongoing debates about his size. The 2023 first overall pick has received substantial praise from various quarters, including a notable endorsement from Panthers’ head coach Dave Canales, who has lauded Young’s leadership abilities. This sentiment has been echoed by Carolina’s star defensive lineman Derrick Brown, who shared his admiration for Young in a recent interview with the NFL Network.
Derrick Brown, who has witnessed Young’s development up close, spoke highly of the quarterback’s resilience and work ethic. “Everyone keeps talking about his size. But let’s not forget, he didn’t win the Heisman Trophy for no reason,” Brown said. “Playing quarterback in the NFL is incredibly challenging, especially when you’re constantly under pressure. Yet, this year, Bryce has really ‘flipped the switch.’ People sometimes overlook that.”
Standing at 5-10, Young has faced criticism due to his shorter stature compared to other NFL quarterbacks. However, the 2023 top draft pick has made a concerted effort to address these concerns. Over the offseason, Young dedicated himself to rigorous training, which has evidently paid off. His performance in fall camp has impressed his teammates, reflecting a significant commitment to improving his physical and mental game.
“Bryce is all about hard work,” Brown noted. “Whether he’s hitting the gym or studying the playbook, he’s always pushing himself. From the very beginning, he and Coach Canales have been working tirelessly. Bryce is often the first one in the facility and the last one to leave. His dedication is evident.”
The Panthers’ 2023 season was a challenging one, with the team finishing at the bottom of the standings with a 2-15 record. Young’s rookie year was marked by difficulties, including a high number of sacks — 62, one of the highest in the league — and struggles with pass completion. The team’s defense also faced significant issues, ranking 29th in the NFL for points allowed with 416. Additionally, they were last in turnovers, with just 11, and in rushing touchdowns allowed, giving up 25.
Despite these struggles, Derrick Brown emerged as a standout player for the Panthers. As a defensive tackle, Brown demonstrated his prowess with impressive statistics, including 103 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 7.0 tackles for loss, and 15 quarterback hits. His performance was a bright spot in a season that many would prefer to forget, showcasing his Pro-Bowl caliber talent and resilience on a struggling team.
As the Panthers prepare for the upcoming season, both Bryce Young and Derrick Brown are expected to play pivotal roles in the team’s efforts to turn things around. Young’s continued dedication and improvement, combined with Brown’s strong defensive presence, could be key factors in the Panthers’ quest for a more successful year. The optimism surrounding Young’s potential and Brown’s consistent performance offers a glimmer of hope for a franchise eager to rebound from a challenging season.
