Can Panthers QB Bryce Young take next step in development under Dave Canales?

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As the Carolina Panthers count down the days until their first full training camp in Charlotte, The Observer is examining the roster one position group at a time.

With the first installment in our series, the Panthers’ quarterback group — led by second-year signal-caller Bryce Young — is under the microscope.

The big question: Can Bryce Young take a big major step forward?

Young’s rookie season struggles are well-documented.

In 16 games, the No. 1 draft pick completed just 59.8% of his passes for 2,877 yards, 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for a passer rating of 73.7. He was also sacked 62 times for a loss of 477 yards, which was the largest deficit in the NFL last season.

Young’s 2023 supporting cast was underwhelming, and that low-tier group factored heavily into his struggles. But Young isn’t totally blameless in last season’s abysmal 2-15 campaign results.

Young — with a vastly improved offense on paper — needs to get rid of the ball quicker in 2024. New head coach Dave Canales has emphasized his desire for the quarterback to release the ball within 2.7 seconds, and the hope is that a faster delivery will keep Young clean from pressure more often than not.

He’s also been working on improving his footwork, to work from the ground up.

Last season, Young also struggled to connect with weapons down the field. With veteran wide receiver Diontae Johnson and first-round pick Xavier Legette now in the mix, Young should be able to test defensive backs in all areas of the field.

In theory, Young should also have more confidence in the pocket with a couple of well-paid additions at guard. Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt were brought in to solidify the pocket, and with former starting guard Austin Corbett moving to center, the front office believes the unit has more athleticism up front heading into the summer.

Canales has gone out of his way to make Young his central project this offseason. After a disastrous rookie season under Frank Reich, the organization is hoping that Canales can reach Young and bring out the best in him.

The Panthers’ QB depth chart

— The starter: Bryce Young — Last year’s first overall draft pick is back in the saddle for another opportunity as the leader of the offense. With Canales now calling the shots, Young will look to bounce back into Heisman trophy-winning form after a forgettable rookie campaign.

— The backup: Andy Dalton — The longtime NFL signal-caller has been a shoulder for Young to lean on through the early days of his career. Given his strong output during last year’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks, there is proof that Dalton can still sling it if called upon. For now, though, he’s comfortable being a mentor to the face of the franchise.

— The competition: Jack Plummer — As of now, the undrafted rookie from Louisville is competing against himself to force the Panthers to keep three quarterbacks on the roster. While that scenario is highly unlikely, Plummer, at worst, should be hoping to show enough to land a job on the practice squad. The Panthers could look to add a fourth arm to the mix prior to camp.

Player to watch in camp: Bryce Young

The Panthers will sink or swim with Young’s development. If Canales can open up Young’s passing arsenal and give him the ingredients for a significant jump in Year 2, Carolina could surprise critics this season.

Young looked poised and confident in the new offense during the offseason program. He will need to carry that energy over to training camp where he will take part in legitimate padded practices. The added physicality will heighten the competition in the summer heat, and Young can’t afford to lose steam with the increased pressure.

While the jury is still out on the second-year quarterback, he can calm the nerves of Panthers fans by putting together a stellar performance in Charlotte during the coming weeks and months.