When Luke Kuechly speaks, Panthers fans listen. One of the most respected voices in franchise history, the Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist joined The Rich Eisen Show to reflect on Bryce Young’s remarkable turnaround during a turbulent season. From a rocky start to rediscovering his Alabama swagger, Young’s evolution has caught the attention of fans and experts alike—and Kuechly didn’t hold back in praising the young quarterback.
The Early Struggles: A Rough Start for Bryce Young
Bryce Young’s NFL journey began with immense pressure. As the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, expectations were sky-high for the former Alabama star. However, the early returns were far from promising. The Panthers’ offensive line, which allowed 62 sacks during Young’s rookie campaign, struggled to protect him. Kuechly pointed out how this constant pressure hindered the quarterback’s ability to settle into the game:
“He got hit a lot his first year,” Kuechly said. “Our offensive line was a revolving door.”
The start of the 2024 season didn’t fare much better. After a couple of tough outings, head coach Dave Canales made the difficult decision to bench Young in favor of veteran Andy Dalton. The move, though controversial, proved pivotal. Dalton’s steady play highlighted areas for improvement and gave Young an opportunity to recalibrate.
The Turning Point: Mental and Physical Resilience
When Dalton suffered a car accident midway through the season, the spotlight shifted back to Young. This time, he was ready. Kuechly credited Young’s mental and physical toughness for the way he seized the opportunity. “I give Bryce a ton of credit, just the mental and the physical toughness that he’s shown,” Kuechly noted. “He dealt with getting hit a ton last year and came back stronger.”
The turning point came against the Denver Broncos. Though the Panthers struggled early in the game, Young orchestrated a promising drive late in the fourth quarter. This resurgence continued with victories over the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants. Perhaps most impressively, the Panthers pushed both the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs to the brink in tightly contested matchups.
Young’s growing confidence was evident. Kuechly highlighted a specific moment that encapsulated the quarterback’s transformation:
“There’s this picture of Bryce smiling and giving the first-down signal. That was the Bryce of Alabama—having fun, playing loose.”
The Canales Effect: A System Built for Success
While Young deserves credit for his resilience, Kuechly also emphasized the role of head coach Dave Canales in fostering a supportive environment. Canales’ positivity and adaptability were instrumental in turning the team’s fortunes around.
Richie Eisen noted, “Canales told us in Munich that he knew things were headed in the right direction when players’ personalities showed up on the field.” Kuechly added, “Bryce showing his personality—that was huge.”
Kuechly also praised Canales for stabilizing the offensive line, a move spearheaded by general manager Dan Morgan. With better protection, Young was finally able to play with the confidence and poise that made him a top draft pick. “Watching Andy Dalton play and seeing how the offense flowed gave Bryce a blueprint,” Kuechly explained. “When he came back, it all started clicking.”
What’s Next for Bryce Young and the Panthers?
Young’s turnaround is more than just a feel-good story; it’s a sign of what could be a bright future for the Panthers. His ability to bounce back from adversity has rekindled hope among fans, and with a retooled offensive line and an innovative coach, the foundation is set for sustained success.
For Kuechly, Young’s resurgence is proof of his potential to lead the franchise for years to come. “From where he started the year to where he is now, it’s been incredible,” Kuechly said. “I didn’t see it coming, but I give him, Canales, and even Andy Dalton a ton of credit for the turnaround.”
