Adam Thielen’s revealing admission about Bryce Young’s disappointing 2023 campaign with the Panthers

The Carolina Panthers haven’t had much success over the past few seasons. Carolina took a gamble on Bryce Young when they traded for the first overall pick in 2023. They went abysmal 2-15 and weren’t able to use their first-round pick in a deep draft class. However, if you ask the people around the Panthers, they still have a lot of faith in Bryce Young.

Panthers veteran receiver Adam Thielen defended Bryce Young’s poor 2023 season in an interview with The Athletic’s Zak Keefer.

“I kind of speak for Bryce when I say this, but I think last year was the best thing that ever happened to him,” Thielen said. “He’s had a lot of success in his life. In high school, in college. And then he came here and … listen, you never want that, and I’m sure he would say he wished it hadn’t happened that way, but when he’s been in the league for three, four, five years, I think he’ll look back and say, ‘I learned so much about myself and my team.’”

Thielen reiterated that the 2023 season is something Young and the Panthers can use as a springboard for future success.

“We can build on that,” Thielen said. “He’s the kind of guy who knows how to take things the right way.”

The Panthers now have a head coach who has a reputation as a QB whisperer. Add in the fact that Young has more NFL experience and an improved roster and you have plenty of reasons to be excited about the Panthers’ future.

Panthers head coach Dave Canales congratulates QB Bryce Young after strong preseason performance

Panthers head coach Dave Canales was pleased with Bryce Young’s performance in the team’s final preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.

“What a hell of a day,” Canales told Young when he entered the locker room, according to ESPN’s David Newton.

Young played just one drive against the Bills’ backups, but he showed plenty of promise, completing 6 of 8 passes for 70 yards and a touchdown in the 31-26 victory.

Young led the Panthers on a 12-play, 85-yard drive. Canales was really happy to see Young lead the team down the field.

“I couldn’t have asked for anything better,” Canales said. “A fourth-down conversion, but I saw him extend the play with his legs, keeping his eyes down the field, finding players.”

Canales also noted that Young looked more comfortable and appeared to be doing a good job of avoiding pressure and progressing.

“Confidence, a fixed gaze on the field, an aggressive nature but able to do it within the limits of what is the smartest thing to do in that situation,” Canales said.

Panthers fans should be excited to hear about Young’s progression in the early days of the Canales regime. If Young can start to regularly show flashes of the player Carolina traded for in 2023, then the Panthers could soon become a serious title contender in the NFC South.