Source: Jacob Kupferman / Getty
Earlier today, when meeting with the local media, Panthers head coach, Frank Reich announced that Bryce Young is now QB1 for the Carolina Panthers, as OTA’s wind down, and minicamp is around the corner. Reich stated that this decision follows the timeline, from when Young was drafted first overall, as the plan was to gradually allow him to progress to this point. Even with Young now being QB1, Reich was non-commital on naming Young the starter for the season opener at Atlanta this September.
This news came down shortly before the Wes & Walker Show on WFNZ, as the guys spent some time talking about this move. Wes, who has sung the praises of Young since the moment Carolina drafted, made it known that this isn’t all that surprising, given the way Young has handled everything being thrown his way since draft night. Furthermore, Wes admitted to being somewhat shocked that Carolina let this news out now, and not let it stir in the fan base as OTA’s come to an end, and minicamp upcoming. But this is another example of there being a new coaching regime on the sidelines, as last year Matt Rhule drug out a quarterback battle between Sam Darnold, and Baker Mayfield, and ultimately made the wrong decision, as Darnold outperformed Mayfield.
Like his cohost, Walker wasn’t all that surprised that Young has been named QB1, but is confident that barring an injury, Young will start the Week 1 contest at the Falcons, even with Reich not willing to commit to that just yet. If so, Young would become the first rookie quarterback since Cam Newton to start a Week 1 contest, and if Young performs anywhere close to the level that Newton did, the hype will be through the roof.
You can catch the Wes & Walker Show every weekday from 12-3 PM, on 92.7 or on the Audacy app.
Bryce Young Emerges as QB1 was originally published on wfnz.com
