If anyone knows firsthand about the upside of Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, it’s Nick Saban. The former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach held that role when Young was under center for two full seasons as a starter in 2021 and 2022.
But just two years removed from wrapping up a two-year stretch with Alabama that featured 79 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions, Young is preparing to hold a clipboard for Week 3 of the NFL season. Following Panthers head coach Dave Canales announcing the decision to bench Young after two games, Saban was among many who expressed strong feelings about the 23-year-old’s struggles.
Specifically, Saban pointed to the Panthers’ lack of talent as a key reason Young has struggled, which he explained on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
“You guys have heard me say before: Quarterback is a really hard position to play if the people around you don’t play well,” Saban said. “…So do they have the kind of players around Bryce Young that even gives him a chance to be successful?”
Saban continued by calling out Carolina’s skill players and offensive line.
“I hate to see Bryce get benched, but I also don’t see a lot of opportunity for him to be successful based on the skill players they have around him, the offensive line they have around him, and I think he’s the type of player that can really operate well when he has good players around him.”
It’s hard to argue with Saban’s thought process, especially considering he witnessed firsthand how talented Young can be. But with the Panthers far from looking like a team capable of going .500, let alone make the playoffs, it makes the situation with their young quarterback even tougher to sort out.
Something has to give one way or another, and if Young has the potential to come even close to the level of play he showed in college, a new team and fresh start could be best for all parties involved.
