Panthers’ Bryce Young gets real about the growth mindset ahead of the 2024 campaign

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is excited about what the upcoming season has in store for him. The young marksman does his best to stay ready for what awaits him.

“It’s helped me my whole life,” Young told ESPN. “The good, the bad, indifferent; Making sure I’m okay internally. Luckily, I’ve been very aware of that my whole life, so I’ve had a lot of practice with compartmentalizing things and trying to adopt healthy habits.”

The Panthers are relying heavily on Young to lead them back to the NFC Playoffs. Carolina had a very discouraging year in 2023, posting a 2-15 record.

Young’s rookie season at Carolina

Young struggled during his rookie season with the Panthers. He finished the 2023 season with just 11 touchdown passes, against 10 interceptions. Young threw for a total of 2,877 yards and had a completion percentage of just 58 percent.

Those numbers simply have to improve this season. The Panthers made many changes this offseason to help Young. It started with a new coach, when Carolina brought in Dave Canales to take over. The Panthers also drafted some talent in the 2024 NFL Draft to help Young, including South Carolina wide receiver Xavier Legette and Texas tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders. Young will have some weapons, but it will be up to him to use them effectively.

The young quarterback admitted it was a defeat to lose so many games during his rookie season. Tensions were so high that at a low point in the year, the owner of the Carolina Panthers even threw drinks at opposing fans.

“I’m far from perfect,” Young added. “We all have our problems and stuff, and we have good days and bad days. But it is important, just like every season, at a time when a lot is happening and there are a lot of stressful situations, knowing that this is a moment to make sure that I really don’t lose sight of things mentally.”

Young’s big asset

The Panthers’ most notable move this offseason may be the addition of high-octane Diontae Johnson. Johnson comes from the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he helped the team reach the AFC Playoffs last season. Johnson was reportedly unhappy in the Steel City and looking for a change, and Young now has a versatile threat to target in any passing game.

In Pittsburgh, Johnson posted more than 4,000 receiving yards in five seasons. He caught 25 touchdown passes and was targeted 639 times. Panthers fans should see a lot of Johnson in the passing attack, and that should make a difference for Carolina. Johnson is already hyping up his young quarterback, so it appears Young and Johnson have a good relationship.

The Panthers have a chance to make up some ground in the NFC South this season. The division was one of the weakest in football last year, as Tampa Bay was awarded a playoff spot despite a 9-8 overall record. Panthers fans are hopeful that the franchise can march back to a Super Bowl. Carolina never won the championship despite competing in the big game twice.