The NFC South, once home to elite quarterbacks such as Cam Newton, Drew Brees, and Matt Ryan, has experienced a decline in top-tier signal-callers in recent years. This drop has left the division searching for fresh talent to restore its former prominence. However, new hope has emerged through young quarterbacks in Carolina and Atlanta, who appear ready to lead the division’s resurgence.
Bryce Young’s Dramatic Progression During His Rookie Year
Bryce Young is among the most notable of these rising talents, showing an extraordinary turnaround after a difficult start in his rookie season. Early on, Young struggled significantly, but beginning in Week 8, his play improved dramatically. He rose from a passing grade of 49.6—ranking last among quarterbacks—to finishing the regular season as the seventh-highest graded quarterback with an 83.7 score. This advancement also translated into fantasy football success, where Young ranked 12th among quarterbacks during that time.
Experts have taken notice of this improvement, emphasizing that this is the level of play the Panthers anticipated when they selected Young first overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Adding Value Through Mobility and Rushing Ability
Young’s game is not limited to passing; his mobility adds a critical dimension to the Panthers’ offense. With a scramble rate of 8.0%, ranking seventh in the NFL, Young has provided his team with important additional yardage on the ground. His rushing contributions also boost his fantasy value, averaging 3.6 rushing fantasy points per game, placing him 14th among quarterbacks. He tallied six rushing touchdowns over the season, with five coming after his midseason surge.
Strong Team Support and Outlook for Continued Growth
The future looks promising for Young thanks to a reliable pass-blocking group and leadership from a head coach known for developing quarterbacks. This supportive structure is expected to help sustain his positive development. As the Panthers strive to reclaim dominance in the NFC South, Young’s transformation from a struggling rookie into a promising leader signals renewed optimism for the division’s quarterback renaissance.
With this foundation in place, Young has the potential to change the quarterback narrative in the NFC South, rekindling the enthusiasm of fans who have long celebrated the division’s historic playmakers.