Will Bryce Young Become the Panthers No. 1 QB in 2023?

As No. 1 overall pick at this year’s draft, it’s perhaps unsurprising that Bryce Young is rated so highly by new coach Frank Reich. The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner was extremely sought-after having led the Crimson Tide to a 12-1 record and having completed 314 of 462 passes for 4,322 yards. The Panthers secured his services, despite being strongly linked to Ohio’s CJ Stroud and it appears as though Young will be given plenty of responsibility this season. 

Bryce Young will compete with veteran QB Andy Dalton, who recently signed a two-year deal reportedly worth $ 10 million. The 35-year-old is a solid operator and became a permanent starter for the Saints last season following Jameis Winston’s early-season injury. Matt Corral also remains in Carolina and despite potentially falling down the pecking order, he has spoken of his desire to remain with the Panthers this year. Interestingly, Corral and Young have known each other since seventh grade and with just three years between the pair, the former’s presence may help the newcomer to settle into his new surroundings. 

Reich has refused to be drawn on the speculation that Young will be thrust straight into the No.1 spot and has insisted that the 21-year-old will have to earn his stripes and focus on learning the offense over the next couple of months. Despite seemingly working with the second team, Young has been getting more reps than Dalton during the voluntary offseason workouts, with suggestions that he may realistically compete with the former Chicago Bears QB for a starting spot. 

The Panthers ended 2022 with a 7-10 record and were eliminated from playoff contention by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the beginning of January. Fans will be following the progress of their team across the globe this season, although UK and German supporters will be disappointed that Frank Reich’s side has not been selected as part of the 2023 international series. 

They played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium back in 2019 where they secured victory over the Buccaneers. Although they won’t get to see the franchise in action this time around, there are a number of destinations such as the Empire Casino Sports Bar which show every NFL match live throughout the season. Here, visitors can enjoy all of their favorite slots and table games whilst following the Panther’s progress in 2023. Those who’d prefer comfier surroundings can also pick from the best online casinos to help recreate this experience from home. This can be accompanied by streaming every single kick of the campaign using the NFL Season Pass. 

Although there is plenty of excitement surrounding Bryce Young this season, his development and minutes may be carefully managed by Reich. Nevertheless, fans can be forgiven for getting carried away. The last time that the Panthers selected a QB as the first overall pick, it turned out to be an unprecedented success. Cam Newton hit the ground running in 2011, setting a rookie record for passing and rushing yards before going on to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. 

During his time in Carolina, he led the Panthers to four playoff appearances and helped them reach Super Bowl 50. During the course of the season, he managed more rushing attempts, rushing yards and rushing touchdowns than any other NFL player. 

Panther’s fans will be hoping that Young can build a rapport with the wide receivers ahead of the season opener against the Falcons at the beginning of September. The team will gather for a training camp at the beginning of July as preparations ramp up ahead of the 2023 season.