The Carolina Panthers decided to part ways with head coach Frank Reich after an 11-game stretch in the 2023 season, during which the team struggled to a 1-10 record with Bryce Young as their starting quarterback. Reich shared insights into the difficulties he faced, emphasizing that many factors needed to be addressed before the team could find success.
Reich acknowledged the tough situation by stating,
“It was terrible for him; it was terrible for all of us who were a part of it,”
while adding,
“There were so many things to unwind there before it could get going in the right direction and that just takes time. Sometimes you are given time as a head coach and sometimes you’re not.”
Reich Stands Firm on Starting Bryce Young Immediately
Despite questions from within the Panthers organization about starting Bryce Young so early, Reich defended his move to name Young the starting quarterback from the outset. He maintains that being the first player chosen overall in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL draft comes with an expectation of immediate involvement on the field, though development time for young players is still necessary.
Reich stated plainly,
“To me I still hold the philosophy that if you’re the first pick in the NFL draft, you’re starting,”
and further clarified,
“To me that is a universal football principle. You’re drafted No. 1, you’re starting Week 1. Now if the rest of the roster isn’t ready to support you, that’s a different question. And sometimes it just takes a younger guy time to develop.”
Saints’ Tyrann Mathieu Retires to Focus on Family
In an unexpected announcement on the eve of the New Orleans Saints’ training camp, safety Tyrann Mathieu chose to retire after a distinguished 12-year career in the NFL. Speaking with Kay Adams, Mathieu explained that his decision was heavily influenced by family considerations and shifting priorities.
He revealed,
“That’s been a conversation I’ve kind of had even really going into the last couple seasons,”
noting how the demands of football made it increasingly difficult to spend time with his children. Mathieu continued,
“The older I got, the more challenging and harder it became to leave my kids… I think my kids play a big part in that.”
Mathieu offered a personal glimpse into his family life, sharing,
“It’s funny because I think the only one that’s kind of upset with me right now is my daughter, and she’s like five. My two sons, who are 12 and 11, I think they’ve been able to experience this thing. I remember one of them kind of telling me, ‘Dad I think you need a break man, you’ve been doing that a long time.’”
Additional NFL Updates from Other Teams
Meanwhile, Atlanta Falcons General Manager Terry Fontenot commented on quarterback Kirk Cousins’ status as a highly paid backup during the team’s current training camp. Fontenot praised Cousins as a consummate professional, observing,
“Kirk has been the ultimate professional. Outside, it’s a lot more of a deal than it is the building. He shows up, he does his job.”
Regarding tight end Kyle Pitts, who is entering the final year of his contract, Fontenot refrained from discussing potential extensions but spoke positively about Pitts’ attitude and preparation:
“Kyle showed up the right way. He showed up in great shape and showed up in his mentality. We love where Kyle is right now.”
The Significance of Coaching Decisions and Player Development in the NFL
The decision to start Bryce Young immediately after he was selected first overall highlights the high expectations placed on top draft picks, even when team circumstances may not be ideal. Frank Reich’s comments emphasize the complexity of building a successful team, which requires not only talent but also time and support from the roster and coaching staff.
Tyrann Mathieu’s retirement underlines the personal challenges and changing priorities players face as their careers progress, adding a human element to the often intense professional demands of the NFL. Meanwhile, positive developments around players like Kirk Cousins and Kyle Pitts reflect ongoing team efforts to balance experience, potential, and preparation during crucial training periods.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who texted Bryce Young?
A. Last night, after missing a catch near the sideline in the fourth quarter, Xavier Legette sent a text message to Bryce Young.
Q. Who did Bryce Young get benched for?
A. Following a 2-16 beginning to his time in the NFL, the Carolina Panthers are substituting quarterback Bryce Young with Andy Dalton for Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders at 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS. This change makes Young the first quarterback chosen first overall in the common draft era (since 1967) to be benched without an injury being the reason.
Q. Who is Bryce Young’s ex?
A. Young will likely get a lot of encouragement from Carolina fans, but Myra Gordon, his ex-girlfriend, probably won’t watch the Panthers play on Sunday. Gordon, who plays college basketball at Pepperdine, is now in a relationship with Philadelphia 76ers player Tyrese Maxey.
Q. What’s Bryce Young’s salary?
A. Bryce Young, the Carolina Panthers quarterback, was picked first in the 2023 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year deal, earning about $9.49 million each year.