Sports Illustrated Selects 'X-Factor' for Panthers

How much success the Panthers have in 2023 depends on the development of Bryce Young.

Gilberto Manzano and Matt Vaderame of Sports Illustrated recently identified one "X-factor" for each team in the NFL. 

For many teams, there are multiple options. But for the Carolina Panthers, there's really only one choice, rookie quarterback Bryce Young.

"There’s no other question here. We’ve seen plenty of rookie quarterbacks struggle throughout their first years before becoming perennial Pro Bowlers. We’ve also seen men like Matt Ryan and Lamar Jackson lead their teams to the playoffs right away.

"Young is surrounded by enough talent and quality coaches to make a run at the postseason, especially considering the division he’s playing in. If Carolina gets a decent year from Young and the defense plays well situationally, the Panthers have a chance to be over .500 and challenge for the NFC South crown, something they almost took with a worse roster last year."

Spot-on assessment. Couldn't have put it better myself. 

This team was one win away from being crowned division champs a year ago with a mix of Baker Mayfield, P.J. Walker, and Sam Darnold all starting multiple games at quarterback. The defense, and the run game, had to carry the load for them to even be competitive. 

Now, the Panthers believe they have a game-changer at the most important position and if Young lives up to all the preseason hype, Carolina will play winning football in 2023.

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