2 weeks Ago By Jake Rogers, Viral Sports News
Former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf has never been one to shy away from controversial opinions, and he didn’t hold back when discussing the Carolina Panthers’ handling of Bryce Young’s benching. In a candid conversation with TMZ Sports , Leaf ripped into the organization, accusing them of failing to properly support their rookie quarterback. The Panthers benched Young ahead of their Week 3 matchup in favor of veteran Andy Dalton, a move Leaf said could have long-lasting consequences for the young quarterback’s confidence and career.
Ryan Leaf Blames Panthers for Bryce Young’s Struggles “They screwed this thing up from the get-go,” Leaf said bluntly. “This organization is horrible. They’ve done nothing to help and develop a player who has so much expectation on him.
I lay this at the feet of the organization completely.” Leaf, the former No. 2 overall pick in 1998, knows all too well what it’s like to face massive expectations and fall short.
Comparing his experience to Young’s, he described how isolating it can be when a young quarterback loses confidence and feels abandoned by the organization. “He has zero confidence right now,” Leaf explained. “No one believes in him, and no one has his back.
I know what that feels like. Football becomes toxic when you’ve always been successful and had people lifting you up. Right now, it seems like no one in that locker room feels that way about him.
That’s a hard place to be when you’re 22, 23 years old.” Bryce Young Takes Accountability Amid Uncertain Future The Panthers’ decision to bench Young came as a surprise, especially given the struggles of the team around him. Despite being the No.
1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Young’s rookie season was marred by a lack of protection, offensive inconsistencies, and the firing of head coach Frank Reich midseason. After two games this season, Young’s numbers—55.4% completion percentage, 245 passing yards, and three interceptions—reflected his struggle to adapt, even with offseason efforts to improve the team’s supporting cast.
For Young, the benching was a tough pill to swallow. “It was not something I was expecting,” he admitted during a media session. “Obviously, not something that was great to hear.
But I respect coach [Dave] Canales and the organization. They made the decision.” Young took accountability for his role in the Panthers’ 0-2 start, saying, “I look in the mirror, and I take accountability for that.
” Yet, Leaf was quick to point out that Young’s failures are largely the fault of the organization, not the quarterback. Leaf believes Young still has a bright future ahead of him—just not in Carolina. He compared the situation to other quarterbacks who found success after leaving difficult situations, like Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield.
“I still believe he can have a ton of success elsewhere,” Leaf said, offering to mentor Young if needed. “My line will always be open to any NFL player looking for advice.” As for where Bryce Young goes from here, only time will tell.
While he continues to express gratitude and determination to help the Panthers in any way possible, the harsh reality is that the team’s decision to bench him raises questions about his long-term future in Carolina. “I’m super grateful to be part of the team, to be part of the organization,” Young said. “I’m going to help the team any way I can, and that’s my focus.
” With the Panthers owing a hefty draft pick to the Chicago Bears for trading up to select Young, the franchise’s gamble is looking more uncertain by the day. Whether Young will be given another chance to prove himself remains to be seen, but for now, he finds himself on the bench, waiting for an opportunity to turn things around. Make sure to come back for more analysis on everything sports at ViralSportsNews.
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