Carolina Panthers coach Frank Reich has been questioned lately on Bryce Young. The next quarterback off the board was CJ Stroud and he has looked way better than Young through the first third of the season. The Panthers have not won a game while Stroud has led the Texans’ offense to a handful of wins. Ahead of their week 8 matchup, Reich reiterated his confidence that they made the right pick.
Carolina Panthers Frank Reich On Bryce Young
Reich’s point is that we cannot properly evaluate rookie quarterbacks through six games. He is happy for Stroud but warns fans not to be quick to judge.
“Yeah, I mean, we got the guy we wanted to get and couldn’t be happier about that in every way. And I would say this: I’m happy for C.J. He’s had six good games, and I have no doubt he’ll have many more good games. But I know this: when it comes to evaluating quarterbacks or any position, it’s years, not weeks.
You can’t put a label on a guy after six weeks or even a year. I’ve seen guys have Pro Bowl seasons and then a year later, fighting to be a backup somewhere else. I mean, it’s a crazy league.
“What you’re looking for and what we’re looking for, not just from our quarterback, but in every position, is sustained success at a high level for a very long time. And you can’t measure it in weeks on that.”
While it is great to hear these words, it is simple lip service in my opinion.
What Is He Supposed To Say?
Is he going to throw his own quarterback under the bus? Admit they made a mistake? That would be ridiculous. Reich is trying to calm down rumors that he wanted Stroud but ownership made him pick Young. While Reich has refuted these claims, he has made some comments about how owners meddling in team affairs is not a good thing. The Panthers are also very talent-deficient on the offensive side of the ball which does not make Young’s life easier.
Ultimately it is impossible for us to make sweeping conclusions after seven weeks. While the Carolina Panthers are struggling right now, that is not indicative of long-term success.
