Cat Scratch Reader
Hello CSR! Welcome to Brian Answers, part two of your weekly Panthers fan mailbag for everyone! As I expected, most of the questions that came in this week were heavily centered around the future of Bryce Young, and by association the future of the coaching staff. We mixed in some Christmas fun along the way though too. With all that said, let’s jump right in to answering your questions!
e4*: As much cathartic as inquiring – why hasn’t Bryce Young been benched yet?
I don’t see a real reason to bench Bryce Young at this point. This was supposed to be the season to figure out whether he’s the long term answer or not, and allowing him the full body of work likely paints a better picture with how to proceed in the off-season. Trotting Andy Dalton out there or Mike White/somebody else signed off their couch doesn’t really solve anything. Bryce is their best chance to win football games at this juncture regardless of how you/I feel about him right now.
right_turn_clyde: Coach Canales found a way to open up the passing game with Bryce late last year. What changed that negated last year’s improvement? Are opposing teams defending the pass differently this year or is it simply regression on Bryce’s part? I don’t believe the problem is Canales.
I know many responded to this question, including some pretty good thoughts by commenter KSUDD, so I am not going to retread many points and instead offer my honest opinion; I think teams have a better idea of what Dave Canales is trying to do on offense and how he was scheming to make Bryce as successful as possible last season. The NFL is constantly evolving, that’s why you see tons of examples of players regressing heavily after one “breakout” year. I also think Canales is playing it a bit more conservative instead of fully opening the passing game. I think at this point he should just call then passing offense he wants to call and see if Bryce can adapt or falter. It can’t get much worse.
KeepPounding88: If Bryce is our starter next year, do you think it will be because he actually earned it, or because our options to replace him this offseason are so limited?
I have a hard time speculating that far into the future because there’s still a lot of football to play, but the current projection is the Panthers bring in a QB or two in the off-season and let Bryce finish out his rookie contract. So if he’s starting next season, I would think its because he’s earned it. Whether or not we see a major improvement between this version and that version I really can’t say yet.
Brazilian Panther: What college QB would be available in the draft if the Panthers picked today? Mendoza will be the first one to go so forget about him, but who else?
Ty Simpson and LaNorris Sellers are my two picks right now. Whether or...
