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NFC South notes: Panthers need to protect Bryce Young
The top pick of the 2023 NFL Draft didn’t have a great welcome to the NFL.
In a 27-0 loss to the New York Jets, Bryce Young barely had a chance to find his footing due to poor play from the offensive line. The Alabama product finished his stint going 4-of-6 for 21 yards, but taking a vicious hit on his first attempt of the game was a cruel introduction to the NFL. He has his offensive line protection to thank for that.
While the hit proved Young’s toughness, players on the offensive line know they can’t afford to get their young quarterback hammered before the regular season even begins.
"“We had to keep it real with each other,” veteran tackle Cam Erving said, via ESPN. “this s—wasn’t good enough. Top to bottom, no matter if it’s preseason, regular season, the s—was not good enough. Any level, from any position, myself included, especially my f—ing self.”"
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Following the game Young said he felt fine, but if his offensive line doesn’t get it together and figure it out, that poise Young showed and is known for will quickly become unrattled. If the Carolina Panthers want to surprise in the NFC South, they need their young QB to have room and time to excel.