Week 2 of the NFL season was nothing short of dramatic, and if you’re like me, you’re still trying to wrap your head around all the chaos. The Buccaneers, Saints, and Raiders each defied the odds with stunning victories as 6-point underdogs, proving once again that anything can happen on any given Sunday. Meanwhile, the fantasy football landscape is in turmoil, with numerous first-round picks nursing injuries already. And Will Levis continues to be a hot topic, leading the league in screengrabs per week at an impressive 1.0 pace. What a whirlwind of a weekend!
Let’s dive deeper into the current state of affairs, starting with the latest buzz from “Monday Night Football.” This week, we’ll dissect the fallout from the game, delve into emerging trends, and spotlight key players and pivotal plays. Buckle up, because we’ve got film, stats (including a dedicated section for those who love numbers), and plenty of fun ahead.
One of the most significant storylines emerging from Week 2 is the Carolina Panthers’ decision to bench Bryce Young, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick, just 18 games into his NFL career. This move comes amidst a season filled with growing pains and disappointing performances. Young’s stats paint a bleak picture: among QBs with at least 10 starts since the beginning of last season, he ranks at or near the bottom in several key metrics including expected points added (EPA) per dropback, success rate, explosive pass rate, completion percentage, and Total QBR.
So, what went wrong? Let’s break it down.
1. The Size Outlier:
Bryce Young’s size has always been a talking point. At 5-foot-10 and 204 pounds, he’s one of the smallest quarterbacks to ever step onto an NFL field. Historically, smaller quarterbacks have struggled to succeed in the NFL. Of the 178 QBs who’ve started at least 50 games since 1970, only four were shorter than 6 feet: Doug Flutie, Kyler Murray, Russell Wilson, and Pat Haden.
Young’s size affects various aspects of his game, from his dropbacks to his visibility in the pocket. For instance, in a recent game against the New Orleans Saints, Young struggled with throws that require a clear view over the offensive line. His height impacts his ability to make these throws, as seen in a play where he faded back instead of stepping into the pocket, leading to an incomplete pass.
2. Organizational Dysfunction:
The Carolina Panthers’ organizational turmoil has been well-documented. Since David Tepper took over as owner in 2018, the team has seen a revolving door of head coaches, significant player departures, and an overall lack of stability. Tepper’s involvement in the draft process, particularly his reported preference for Young over other quarterbacks like C.J. Stroud, has further complicated matters.
The Panthers’ decision to draft Young, despite the team’s own evaluations and potential preference for another quarterback, suggests a disconnect between ownership and the coaching staff. This disjointed approach to team-building has likely exacerbated Young’s struggles, as he’s been thrust into a situation that may not have been ideal for his development.
3. Roster Issues:
Another critical factor in Young’s underperformance is the state of the Panthers’ roster. When Young was drafted, the team was already grappling with significant issues, including a shaky offensive line and a receiving corps that was far from elite. The trade of DJ Moore, the team’s top receiver, further depleted Young’s supporting cast.
Young’s success in the NFL was always going to depend on having a strong supporting cast to help mitigate his weaknesses. Inadequate offensive line play and a lack of top-tier receivers have hindered his ability to develop and perform at a high level. The Panthers’ failure to address these needs, coupled with the benching of Young, highlights the challenges of trying to build around a young quarterback without the necessary infrastructure.
Conclusion:
In summary, Bryce Young’s struggles can be attributed to a combination of factors: his physical size, the Panthers’ organizational dysfunction, and a roster that isn’t equipped to support a rookie quarterback. While it’s clear that Young has faced significant obstacles, the Panthers’ decision to bench him is a reflection of the broader challenges facing the team. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how both Young and the Panthers navigate this turbulent period.
Looking ahead, are there any other teams or players you’re particularly intrigued by this season?
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