Bryce Young Faces Pressure After Rough Start Against Jaguars

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Bryce Young is facing a challenging season as the quarterback of the Carolina Panthers. After a disappointing performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars, where the Panthers lost 26-10, questions are swirling about Young’s long-term future with the team.

Young completed only 51% of his passes, throwing for 154 yards and two interceptions. Despite these struggles, there remains a considerable level of confidence in him within the Panthers organization. Most fans continue to support Young, though he has his share of critics who cling to negative perceptions from the pre-draft period.

According to NFL analyst John Blair, increased inconsistency could force the Panthers to consider drafting another quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft. Blair mentioned names like Garrett Nussmeier and Fernando Mendoza as possible targets. “If his struggles continue, Carolina could be forced to explore quarterbacks like Garrett Nussmeier or Fernando Mendoza in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft,” he said.

Last season, Young was benched after Week 2 following a rough start, and this year is not shaping up to be much better. The Panthers had invested heavily in Young, trading up to the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, poor performance has left the team reevaluating their options moving forward.

General Manager Dan Morgan is monitoring the situation closely and is not afraid to make tough decisions if necessary. “Drafting another first-round quarterback wouldn’t be ideal after just three years of Young under center,” Morgan noted. He acknowledged that 2026’s quarterback class looks robust, indicating the team might pivot if Young’s performance doesn’t improve.

Young recognizes he needs to elevate his game. Reflecting on his development from last season, he demonstrated resilience when facing adversity and hopes to regain his footing as a vital player for the organization.