Following Andy Dalton’s vehicle accident on Tuesday, Carolina plans to start quarterback Bryce Young in Week 8.
Anyone expecting Young’s breakout performance should probably wait.
In Week 8, the Panthers (1-6) will face the Denver Broncos (4-3), who have previously feasted on young quarterbacks, including New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler.
While Young is not a rookie, he is experiencing many of the same growing pains as the most inexperienced quarterbacks. He has made 18 career starts and struggled in his two 2024 starts before being benched for Dalton in Week 3.
Since being demoted, the former No. 1 overall choice has appeared in mop-up duty twice.
Young was 2-of-2 for negative-four yards in his most recent appearance, a 40-7 loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 7.
The Broncos are particularly good at pressing quarterbacks, and Young has battled under pressure throughout his career. According to Pro Football Focus, his 29.2% pressure-to-sack rate leads all quarterbacks with at least 75 dropbacks this season.
Denver recorded 13 sacks in its last four games against starting rookies, including six against Rattler on “Thursday Night Football.” Rattler completed 25 of 35 passes for 172 yards (4.9 yards per attempt) and lost two fumbles in the Broncos’ 33-10 victory.
According to Pro Football Focus, Broncos defensive tackle Zach Allen leads the league in total pressures (39), while Denver is second in sacks (28) and seventh in pressure rate (28.6%).
The Broncos are a terrible opponent for Young as he tries to save his career in Carolina. If this Sunday is an audition for him to reclaim his job, he should not expect a callback afterwards.
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