JJ Watt offers interesting comment on Bryce Young

Sep 18, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) warms up before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The Carolina Panthers made a surprising decision to bench Bryce Young after just two games at the start of the season, but one former NFL star believes it has paid off.

JJ Watt offered some interesting commentary after he watched Sunday’s game between the Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs. Though Carolina lost 30-27, Young completed 21/35 passes for a season-high 263 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions. The former No. 1 overall pick showed poise and made some clutch throws late in the game.

Watt was impressed.

“Bryce Young’s numbers today aren’t going to blow anyone away, but his performance against a very good Chiefs defense does speak to the argument for letting young players develop and grow before making an ultimate judgement on them,” Watt wrote on X.

Bryce Young’s numbers today aren’t going to blow anyone away, but his performance against a very good Chiefs defense does speak to the argument for letting young players develop and grow before making an ultimate judgement on them.

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) November 24, 2024

A report early in the season said Carolina’s plan all along was to have Young spend some time on the bench before getting another opportunity to start. Andy Dalton then suffered a hand injury during a car accident last month, which may have accelerated the timeline.

Young has thrown 5 touchdowns compared to 3 interceptions in five games since he was inserted back into the starting lineup. As Watt said, the numbers do not jump out. However, Young has definitely looked better since the benching, which is what head coach Dave Canales hoped for. You have to wonder if sitting as a rookie would have benefitted the former Alabama star.