Young experiences a rocky start in NFL debut
The highly anticipated NFL debut of Bryce Young, the first overall draft pick, did not go as planned on Sunday afternoon. Young’s struggles were evident as he completed 20 of 38 passes for just 146 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions, ultimately leading to a 24-10 loss for the Carolina Panthers against the Atlanta Falcons. Despite initially taking a 10-7 lead, the Panthers failed to maintain their advantage, adding to the disappointment.
It has become a recurring trend for quarterbacks selected first overall, as Young’s defeat marks the 15th consecutive loss in opening games for them since 2002. While this statistic may offer some solace to the rookie, it did little to ease the disappointment felt after the game.
Expressing his frustration, Young took full responsibility for the loss. “That’s unacceptable,” Young stated, as reported by David Newton of ESPN.com. “That’s on me. I just have to clean that up… Not good enough. Not good enough to win, obviously. I made crucial turnovers, which you can’t do, especially where they happened. That falls on me. That falls on my shoulders.”
In spite of Young’s disappointing start, Panthers head coach Frank Reich displayed unwavering confidence in his young quarterback’s ability to bounce back. Reich’s assurance was echoed by his teammates, who expressed their support for Young and their belief in his potential. This collective confidence should serve as a source of motivation for the young quarterback as he navigates the ups and downs of his inaugural season.
While his debut may not have been ideal, Young’s resilience and determination will be crucial in overcoming the obstacles that lie ahead. The NFL season is long, and with the support of his teammates and coaching staff, Young has all the tools to learn from his mistakes and emerge stronger in the coming games.