Tag: Young

Sep 8, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) helped off the turf after a sack against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Rookie coach Dave Canales takes blame for Bryce Young’s brutal outing

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Rookie coach Dave Canales took the blame for Carolina’s futile offensive effort and the career-worst 32.8 passer rating from quarterback Bryce Young in the Panthers’ 47-10 loss at New Orleans on Sunday.

In the season opener for both teams, the Saints scored on the first nine possessions they had the ball. Young was picked on his first pass of the season. The Panthers didn’t get in the end zone until Young took off for a 3-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

“Honestly, it’s on the coaching staff. It’s on us. We sat there like we were sitting ducks,” Canales said. “We didn’t do enough to give our guys simpler solutions in some of those.”

Canales said the Saints “gave us issues with what they did” and could recall only one instance where Young was responsible for pressure when he could have flipped protection.

“We got outcoached in that regard. I take that personally,” Canales said.

From the time he was hired to leave the post as offensive coordinator of the Buccaneers, Canales preached the importance of establishing the running game to take pressure off of Young. He said the game plan included a heavy dose of their ground game, but New Orleans forced the Panthers out of it. Carolina gained 58 yards on 20 total carries with a long gain of eight yards.

“Emphasis was there,” Canales said. “We didn’t get the result we wanted.”

Young was 13 of 30 (43.3 percent) for 161 yards and two interceptions. He was sacked four times in a game the Saints led 30-3 at halftime.

“From a footwork standpoint, I thought it was a solid day,” Canales said. “I think he missed a couple of throws. I think he’s learning some of his guys. … I also have to give the Saints credit for covering us really well. They made it hard. They forced accurate throws. That’s something we have to make sure we cash in on when we have the opportunities.”

Carolina’s next opportunity is Week 2 in the home opener. The Los Angeles Chargers (1-0) travel to Charlotte with a potent pass rush led by edge defenders Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa. The Chargers had four sacks and an interception in a 22-10 home win against the Raiders to open the regular season.

–Field Level Media

Sep 10, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) hugs team owner David Tepper on the field prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers owner defends Bryce Young pick, firing another coach

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper defended his decision to fire another coach and called the selection of quarterback Bryce Young unanimous among football staff in a 13-minute press conference Tuesday.

Tepper fired Frank Reich on Monday and elevated special teams coach Chris Tabor to interim head coach, setting the franchise on a path to hire what will be the team’s seventh acting head coach since the ownership change in 2018.

Why pull the plug on a coach hired in January?

“I’m not going to get into it here. There are different reasons why different things happen,” Tepper said. “You guys see like I said, everything is on the field. Everything is known over time. People know it. The league knows it. If everything was perfect, it wouldn’t be the case. If everything was good, it wouldn’t be the case. So it’s not as if it’s not known out there.”

Carolina is 1-10 this season and 30-63 since Tepper purchased the team. If the 2023 season ended today, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft would go to the Panthers based on their NFL-worst record. But Carolina already traded that pick to Chicago to move up and select Alabama quarterback Bryce Young in this year’s draft.

Tepper said the Panthers unanimously agreed Young was the right player to select. But No. 2 pick C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans) has been a standout among the first-year QB crop. Tepper claimed Young was the No. 1 player on the team’s draft board and said he didn’t offer his own personal input until draft day.

“Originally we were gonna go to the No. 2 pick and we thought we’d get C.J., because we thought the Texans were gonna pick Bryce (Young). And listen, we preferred Bryce, he was our No. 1 pick, we had a lot of conviction,” Tepper said. “It’s just not the way the process was done.”

Tepper insisted of the choice to draft Young, “We were totally confident in that pick, we made the pick first. For me, I’m totally confident in that pick.”

Panthers media relations ushered Tepper away from the microphone while questions were still being asked of the owner.

Tepper did not answer a question about the future of general manager Scott Fitterer.

Tabor followed Tepper’s press conference and said the decision to part with quarterbacks coach Josh McCown and running backs coach Duce Staley was a decision he made on his own “to improve the team.”

Tabor also said he took the interim head coach position with no assurances that he would receive an interview for the full-time position.

Tepper, listed by Forbes as the fourth-wealthiest owner in the NFL, owed Reich $30 million for the final three-plus years on a four-year contract. That’s in addition to payments owed his first hire, Matt Rhule, who Tepper fired last October with more than $40 million left on the contract he signed in January 2020.

Given the rate of turnover and relative lack of patience shown by ownership, Tepper denied there is any reason for concern about hiring a new coach. Under new NFL rules, the Panthers can’t interview any coach employed by an NFL team this season until Jan. 22.

“If I had my druthers, I would like someone to be here 20, 30 years. I’d like to have someone say the eulogy at my funeral in 30 years. OK, maybe 40 years,” Tepper said.

–Field Level Media

Jan 1, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk (71) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Saints rule out both starting OTs, backup for ‘TNF’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The New Orleans Saints ruled out starting offensive tackles Ryan Ramczyk (concussion) and James Hurst (ankle) along with backup tackle Landon Young (hip) for Thursday night’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Trevor Penning is expected to draw the start at one of the tackle spots. Penning started the first five games of the season, playing 100 percent of the snaps. He was benched ahead of last week’s loss to the Houston Texans but played 78 percent of the snaps.

The Saints also ruled out tight end Juwan Johnson (calf) and safety J.T. Gray (hamstring). Linebacker Demario Davis (knee) is questionable and a game-time decision. Also questionable are starting safety Tyrann Mathieu (foot), running back Jamaal Williams (hamstring) and safety Lonnie Johnson (hamstring).

Guard Andrus Peat (groin), however, is listed without a game status after being limited in practice this week.

Ramczyk, 29, has started all 95 games he’s played in since being selected No. 32 overall by the Saints in the 2017 draft.

Hurst, 31, started all six games this season, his fourth in New Orleans.

Young, 26, has played in four games this season but was inactive in Week 5 and didn’t play last week.

The Saints (3-3) host the Jaguars (4-2) to kick off Week 7.

–Field Level Media

Sep 18, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) runs onto the field before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers QB Bryce Young energized, ready to play Sunday

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Bryce Young didn’t just participate in Wednesday’s workout, he delivered his best practice of the year, Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Thomas Brown said.

“Yesterday, I told him, was probably his best day. The energy, enthusiasm, stepping into a huddle, calling the plays with conviction, coaching those guys up from a receiver standpoint, the O-line up front,” Brown said Thursday, elaborating on his declaration. “Just kind of being the maestro, if you will, when it comes to the offense.”

Young said he won’t have any issues returning to the starting lineup on Sunday.

Young, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, watched Andy Dalton run the show in a loss at Seattle. Young went 0-2 in the first two games of the season and was out against the Seahawks due to a sprained ankle.

Young has completed 42 of 71 pass attempts for 299 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions with the Panthers.

He said a different perspective, that of an observer watching the veteran Dalton interact and energize the offense, gave him a big boost.

“We talked about increasing our energy and tempo,” Young said. “I definitely did take that to heart.”

Young said he couldn’t recall if he’d played on a team that lost three consecutive games before. He posted a 24-3 record as the starting quarterback at Alabama.

This week, the Panthers (0-3) play the winless Vikings (0-3).

“You have to process it and understand it for what it is,” Young said. “Of course, it’s not the start we wanted, but nothing is going to change that.”

–Field Level Media

Sep 18, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) runs on to the field before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers ‘don’t know yet’ if Bryce Young returns Sunday

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Carolina Panthers coach Frank Reich said Monday he is unsure of quarterback Bryce Young’s status this week.

Young sat out Sunday’s 37-27 loss at Seattle with a sprained ankle after Reich said the rookie would be out 1-2 weeks.

Andy Dalton replaced the 2023 No. 1 overall pick and passed for 361 yards and two TDs against the Seahawks.

Young, 22, told Reich on Sunday that his ankle was feeling better, according to NFL Network.

Reich said he was not sure whether Young will be at practice Wednesday when the Panthers (0-3) begin preparing to host the Minnesota Vikings (0-3) this Sunday.

“Don’t know. Don’t know yet,” Reich said. “We’ll see how tomorrow goes and then Wednesday. I’ll give you an update then. But I know he’s done everything possible to try to put himself in position, too.”

Young passed for a combined 299 yards with two TDs and two interceptions in losses against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1 and the New Orleans Saints in Week 2.

–Field Level Media

Sep 18, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) during pregame warm ups against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers QB Bryce Young still hurting; Andy Dalton could start at Seattle

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton took the first-team reps Thursday for the second day in a row with rookie No. 1 pick Bryce Young hobbled by a sprained ankle.

Young had his ankle checked out after the Monday night home loss to the New Orleans Saints and missed the Wednesday walkthrough before being held out of the team’s first full practice of the week Thursday.

“We have some general principles that we operated by, not absolutes, that we say, ‘Hey, how many days of practices are needed for a younger player to play?’” head coach Frank Reich said. “If he’s a younger player, maybe you want him to practice a little bit more.”

Young, 22, is 0-2 to begin his career. The No. 1 overall pick has completed 59.2 percent of his passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns against two interceptions so far.

The Panthers twice took out Young in short-yardage situations against the Saints, bringing in Dalton, a move Reich later said was done to “limit the exposure” of their franchise QB.

Dalton said Thursday he’s preparing as he always has — to be ready to play — and hasn’t been informed if he’s starting this week.

“We’ll see how it goes as the week goes on. With Bryce down right now, I’m getting the reps and preparing like I do every week,” Dalton said.

Carolina offensive coordinator Thomas Brown said Young was hurt early in the loss to New Orleans but played through it. He said Young is genuine and will be honest with the franchise about his health when it comes time to make a call about Week 3 at Seattle (1-1).

“It’s a great environment,” Dalton said of the Panthers playing in Seattle. “You talk about NFL environment and crowd noise, it’s one of those places that first hits your brain.”

The Panthers also listed edge rusher Brian Burns (ankle), linebacker Justin Houston (calf), running back Miles Sanders (pec) and linebacker Chandler Wooten (knee) as limited for Wednesday’s walkthrough.

Jake Luton was signed to the practice squad to give Carolina multiple healthy quarterbacks in practice.

–Field Level Media

Aug 2, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; quarterback Bryce Young (9) during Carolina Panthers Fan Fest at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Jets, Aaron Rodgers praise Panthers QB Bryce Young

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Jets head coach Robert Saleh identified 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young as the best point guard on the field in joint practices with the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday.

Young placed multiple throws in the perfect spot through tight coverage in full-team work against New York, which had a top-five overall defense in 2022.

“He’s got a great head on his shoulders,” Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers said of Young. “He’ll be just fine.”

Saleh called Young “an unbelievable point guard” when asked if he compared the 21-year-old to Rodgers.

“I think I speak for everyone … he’s going to be pretty damn good,” Saleh said.

The Jets are prepping to face the Panthers on Thursday night in Charlotte in the second preseason game of the summer for New York. Rodgers will again be in street clothes for the game and could have a similar role calling a few plays in the first half.

Rodgers, who was cheered on enemy turf for a dart of a touchdown to Allen Lazard, said he would advise Young to “be gentle with yourself … it’s a long journey, hold onto your confidence.”

Rodgers said he’s a “big fan” of Young and knew coming to Carolina this week that he would be after hearing raves from good friend — and new Panthers receiver — Adam Thielen.

Young, already named the No. 1 quarterback for the Panthers, had a moment to connect with former Alabama defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Williams, an anchor of the Jets’ defense, posed for a few pictures with Young. But the rookie quarterback said he was extremely grateful to hear the wisdom from the four-time NFL MVP.

“When you talk about someone like Aaron Rodgers who has had so much success for so long, any advice he would give, I’d definitely be receptive to it,” Young said.

Young, undersized relative to prototype height and weight standards at the position, credited Rodgers’ ability to throw on time and on target from multiple arm angles as a standard he chased growing up. He said it was “super cool” to get a pre-practice visit from Rodgers. He said they talked about the experience as first-round picks.

“Just for him to take the time to come out and support me, I really appreciate him,” Young said.

–Field Level Media

Jun 14, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich watches quarterback Bryce Young (9) during the Carolina Panthers minicamp. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers sign No. 1 pick Bryce Young

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young signed a four-year contract worth $37.9 million on Friday, allowing the No. 1 pick in the draft to begin training camp with his teammates on schedule.

Young, already elevated to the No. 1 quarterback spot on the depth chart, was selected first in the draft after winning the Heisman Trophy at Alabama in 2021 and setting a school record of five games with at least five touchdown passes.

General manager Scott Fitterer traded the Panthers’ top wide receiver, DJ Moore, plus the Nos. 9 and 61 picks in the 2023 draft and a first-rounder in 2024 to the Chicago Bears to get in position to select Young.

Fitterer and head coach Frank Reich determined Young had earned the starting job in June, and adjusted the depth chart accordingly with Andy Dalton as the No. 2.

“For me, it’s about earning it,” Young said last month. “I’m grateful to have the opportunity that I have. I still think it’s a process. I’m grateful to be accepted by the team. It’s an amazing locker room, a great group of guys. I want to continue with that. It’s not something you’re just entitled to.”

Young signed Friday afternoon before No. 2 pick C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans) and No. 4 pick Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts).

ESPN and NFL Network reported that Young’s contract is fully guaranteed, matching previous deals for top picks Joe Burrow (2020), Trevor Lawrence (2021) and Travon Walker (2022). Walker’s deal was worth $37.4 million when the edge rusher signed with the Jaguars before training camp last summer. Burrow’s deal was worth $36.19 million over the first four seasons and the fifth-year option — customary for NFL first-rounders — is set at $29.5 million.

–Field Level Media

Jun 14, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich watches quarterback Bryce Young (9) during the Carolina Panthers minicamp. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Top picks Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud still unsigned as camp approaches

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Top NFL draft picks Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud could be on the sideline when training camps open due to ongoing contract negotiations.

Young, the No. 1 pick by the Carolina Panthers, and Stroud, selected second by the Houston Texans, are both in line to start as rookies after promising offseasons.

Stroud worked with receivers and tight ends away from the team facility and was also actively involved in the full team workouts. Whether he will sign while waiting to see the specifics of Young’s deal is unclear.

“It was good, definitely just building chemistry trying to get timing down and trying to be as best we can so we can get to training camp and dominate,” Stroud said. “That was the goal for that one to keep building and have a good offseason.”

Draft picks know the value and framework of their contracts when they are selected due to an NFL draft pool that assigns a value to each pick slot.

The granular clauses, such as offset language that dictates what a team owes if it moves on from a player, and the payment schedule of the initial signing bonus, can often become sticking points.

Most teams spread a signing bonus over three or four payments. The Panthers and Texans can thank the Jacksonville Jaguars for any demand of immediate bonus payments.

The Jaguars made No. 1 pick Trevor Lawrence’s $24.1 million bonus due in full 15 business days after signing in 2021 and paid the more than $24 million signing bonus to Travon Walker in the same timeframe.

No. 3 pick Will Anderson signed with the Texans on June 23. He signed a four-year, $35.2 million deal with a fifth-year team option.

NFL draft slot values peg the contract for the No. 1 pick at four years, $37.95 million, which includes a $24.6 million signing bonus. Stroud stands to sign a deal worth $36.3 million with $23.3 million due at signing.

Colts No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson also remains unsigned and has a max contract value of $33.994 million over four years.

–Field Level Media

Apr 27, 2023; Kansas City, MO, USA; Alabama quarterback Bryce Young on stage after he was drafted first overall by the Carolina Panthers in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Bryce Young drafted No. 1, then Texans pull 2-3 punch

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Quarterbacks and Texans were prevalent in the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, which began with Alabama QB Bryce Young going first overall to the Carolina Panthers.

Three of the top four picks were quarterbacks, and the Houston Texans shook up the first round by acquiring the No. 3 pick from the Arizona Cardinals. The move ushered in a new foundation for the rebuild in Houston under coach DeMeco Ryans. Arizona traded back up to No. 6 in a swap with the Detroit Lions, who moved to No. 12.

Young is the first Alabama player selected No. 1 since 1948 (Harry Gilmer) and the only Nick Saban-coached player to go first in the draft.

“It’s a dream come true,” Young said. “I can’t be more excited. I’m blessed to be a Panther.”

Houston followed suit. The Texans went with Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud with the second pick and used No. 3 on Alabama defensive end Will Anderson Jr.

Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon went fifth to the Seattle Seahawks, and the Cardinals took Stroud’s blindside protector and Buckeyes teammate Paris Johnson Jr. to play left tackle.

“I’m just here to work,” Johnson said. “When I heard Cardinals, it sent chills through my body. I wanted the Cardinals.”

Texas college products stepped onto the stage and out of the Texans’ Thursday shadow. Texas Tech defensive end Tyree Wilson went No. 7 to the Las Vegas Raiders, who were considered a prime landing spot for Kentucky quarterback Will Levis, before Texas running back Bijan Robinson was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons.

The Super Bowl champion Eagles traded a fourth-round pick to move up one spot to No. 9 and drafted Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who will be paired with college teammate Jordan Davis on the dominant defensive front in Philadelphia. Some scouts felt Carter was the No. 1 player in the draft, but his no-contest plea to drag racing charges related to the death of a former teammate and university staffer amplified questions about his maturity and character.

“It’s a lot,” Carter said on stage of his emotions. “It’s time to work. The Eagles got the best player in the draft. Day 1 when I get there, it’s time to work.”

Philadelphia’s trade dropped the Bears, who entered February with the No. 1 pick in the draft, down one more spot before they selected Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright with the 10th pick. Wright could play right tackle or guard, helping bolster a Chicago offensive line that allowed Justin Fields to be sacked a league-high 55 times last season.

The well-traveled No. 12 pick that began with the Cleveland Browns, went to the Texans for Deshaun Watson and was traded to Arizona and then Detroit on Thursday night was a surprise second running back in the top 12, Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs.

The Steelers traded up to get Georgia left tackle Broderick Jones with the 14th overall pick in a run on blockers that included the Tennessee Titans adding Northwestern offensive tackle Peter Skoronski at No. 11. Iowa edge rusher Lukas Van Ness went No. 13 to the Green Bay Packers.

–Field Level Media