Jeremy Shockey sparks conversation on Bryce Young’s future with the Panthers
Bryce Young’s journey with the Carolina Panthers is evolving, marked by the challenges of a young quarterback navigating a tumultuous franchise landscape. As Year Two unfolds for Young and head coach Dave Canales, there’s a sense of optimism bubbling within the organization. The Panthers are inching closer to playoff contention, showcasing glimpses of progress. However, questions linger around Young’s long-term viability as the franchise quarterback.
Shockey’s cautious perspective
Former Panthers tight end Jeremy Shockey, a notable figure in the franchise’s history, remains skeptical. In a recent interview, he expressed uncertainty about Young’s role as the face of the franchise. “I think that’s still up in the air,” Shockey remarked, highlighting the precarious nature of Young’s situation.
Young’s season has been a rollercoaster ride, oscillating between impressive performances and moments that raise eyebrows. Despite the Panthers currently sitting atop their division, Shockey pointed out the inconsistencies that have characterized Young’s play. He referenced Young’s Week 15 performance against the New Orleans Saints—a game where Young showed flashes of potential but ultimately fell short of securing a victory.
Evaluating Young’s performance
In that crucial matchup, Young was steady yet unremarkable. The Saints appeared to challenge him to take control of the game, but it was running back Rico Dowdle who emerged as a key figure. Shockey noted this dynamic, suggesting it exemplified the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Young’s development. “That’s a good example of why it’s hard to say that Young is becoming a franchise quarterback,” he commented, emphasizing the complexity of the evaluation process.
Young has indeed faced struggles this season, and though he has had commendable outings, the inconsistency in both his play and that of the offense remains a concern. Shockey articulated the difficulties in identifying a franchise quarterback, particularly in the context of Young’s early career. “Young plays very well sometimes, but other times, his play and the offense’s play are not good,” he noted, highlighting the dual nature of Young’s performances.
Looking ahead with hope
Despite the challenges, Shockey remains optimistic about Young’s potential. “Young is still a young kid though, and he’s got a lot of time left,” he acknowledged. The emphasis on continued growth and improvement is crucial for Young as he navigates the ups and downs of being an NFL quarterback. If he can maintain his trajectory of development, opportunities will continue to present themselves.
As the Panthers look to solidify their future, the debate surrounding Bryce Young’s status as the franchise quarterback is far from settled. The path ahead is filled with uncertainty, but the promise of growth remains a beacon of hope for both Young and the Carolina Panthers.
