All eyes were on Bryce Young at training camp.
After a disastrous rookie campaign where Bryce Young's development was mismanaged terribly by the previous regime, all eyes were on the quarterback this offseason. The Carolina Panthers moved heaven and earth to provide the signal-caller with a sounder footing this time around. Watching his progress in the weeks and months leading into a crucial second season was at the top of many people's to-do lists.
Young has a much improved supporting cast in every offensive position group. He's got head coach Dave Canales, offensive coordinator Brad Idzik, and quarterbacks coach Will Harriger steering him on the correct path. There should be no more excuses if everyone else meets their end of the bargain.
Restoring confidence and turning the page quickly was the primary challenge awaiting Canales. It's been mission accomplished on that front. While things aren't perfect, optimism is growing that Young could begin silencing his doubters next season.
With this in mind, here are five critical observations from Young at the team's 2024 training camp in Charlotte.
Bryce Young observations from Carolina Panthers 2024 training camp
Bryce Young's footwork
One of the most important areas Dave Canales worked on with Bryce Young throughout camp centered on footwork. The renowned quarterback developer wanted the Heisman Trophy winner to set his feet quicker in his backpedal. Taking more snaps under center only highlighted the need to enhance this key trait before Week 1 at the New Orleans Saints rolls around.
It's been a gradual process, but the early signs are promising. Young's technique looks much better in terms of footwork. There are no wasted movements and fluidity in his motion rather than anything too labored. It's a small step in the process. At the same time, getting it right could improve the fine margins associated with playing football's most important position.
Canales doesn't believe there is much to fix with Young. Getting the fundamentals right - starting with the footwork - is a good place to start. It's something the former Alabama star is embracing, which provides a solid foundation from which to build.
Bryce Young's blossoming connection
The Carolina Panthers worked hard to improve the pass-catching weapons around quarterback Bryce Young this offseason. Raising standards across the wideout room, in particular, was high on general manager Dan Morgan's priority list.
Adam Thielen was the only option in the passing game Young could depend upon in 2023. That's about to change, especially if the Southern California native's blossoming connection with Pro Bowl wideout Diontae Johnson is any indication.
Johnson was acquired via trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason and immediately set about forming a close bond with Young. They're spending a lot of time together and it shows on the field. The instant chemistry between the two is encouraging - something that can hopefully reap instant rewards when the regular season arrives.
The former Toledo star is on a mission to prove the Steelers wrong. Johnson was cast aside for nothing more than veteran cornerback Donte Jackson and a late-round pick swap after accusations of being a locker-room distraction surfaced. Based on the indications from training camp, this could be an absolute steal for the Panthers when push comes to shove.
Bryce Young's release
Another important area of Bryce Young's development over training camp was his release. Dave Canales wants the quarterback to get the football out quicker in an allotted 2.7-second timeframe. This will hopefully limit the risk of talking punishment and keep the chains moving with wide receivers who can get open more effectively.
It's a big adjustment, there's no getting away from that. Young's confidence behind Carolina's woeful protection as a rookie was almost shattered beyond repair. Looking at the investments made in the offensive line - especially on the interior with Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis - things should go much smoother this time around.
Young's got more conviction in where the football is distributed. It's coming out quickly and on time. The former Alabama stud is going through his progressions with confidence and making the right choices more often than not. While things aren't perfect, the development in this key discipline came in for praise.
Doing this in practice is one thing. Doing it in a live-fire competitive setting is another. Young might not see any preseason work if he's not active at the Buffalo Bills, so it's a journey into the relative unknown when the regular season arrives.
Bryce Young's downfiield shots
If there was one criticism from Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers offense early in training camp, it was their lack of confidence to push the football downfield. The signal-caller's critics wonder if he's got the arm strength for explosive plays. While it's not in the higher echelons around the league, it's sufficient enough to take deep shots when the situation dictates.
Young got the chance to open things up more as camp progressed. This came with a few interceptions and mental mistakes, but getting these out of the way now will only serve him well when the regular season arrives.
The Panthers must approach this area with caution. They do have a couple of explosive figures such as Xavier Legette and Jonathan Mingo who can get downfield quickly. What Young must figure out is when to take shots and when taking what the defense gives him is the preferred option.
It's a fine line, even if the modern-day game relies on exciting, downfield elements. The signs later in camp suggest this will be part of the offense in some capacity. However, head coach Dave Canales is also eager to adopt a run-first, methodical approach to keeping the chains moving.
Bryce Young finishes on a high
Concerns were starting to emerge after a rough few practices from Bryce Young over Week 3 of training camp. Ejiro Evero's defense was getting the better of him with alarming regularity. These doubts were quashed in no uncertain terms during the team's joint practice with the New York Jets.
Young saved his best for last. The No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft turned on the style to come away from the session with significant credit. This was also the biggest indicator yet of how Dave Canales' teachings are having a positive impact on the player.
Demonstrating such poise, decision-making, and complete control versus one of the league's most dynamic young defenses was immensely encouraging. Building on this newfound momentum is the tricky part.
Those who wrote Young off after just one season might be eating their words when it's all said and done. Expecting him to enter Pro Bowl consideration is a stretch, but this joint practice with the Jets proved he's got the talent needed to carve out a productive career for himself.
Now, he also has a head coach with a genuine plan in place for his growth. That's the greatest positive above all else following a frenetic summer of preparations.
