Head coach Dave Canales of the New Carolina Panthers shared his initial thoughts on second-year quarterback Bryce Young on Monday, when the players reported for optional workouts.

Canales gushed to the media about the former Alabama quarterback, clearly thrilled with both Young’s performance in the new system and his level of knowledge.
Canales remarked, “He’s doing fantastic with it,” per ESPN. As a result, we can simply teach the idea, depth, and footwork we want from each route because the formations are rather basic for us. He’s really nailed that portion of it, as I expected him to.”

Young had a terrible debut season as the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft under head coach Frank Reich, who was dismissed midway through the season. The Panthers also used a variety of play-callers with Young, which put the rookie in a demanding situation.

Canales, who took the head coaching position following an outstanding season as the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, when he assisted Baker Mayfield in reviving his career and leading the team to the postseason, is now teamed with Young.

Mayfield recorded his greatest career completion rate of 64% while working with Canales, a strength of Young’s early workout performances that has the new head coach enthusiastic.

Canales remarked, “Deep balls, short, intermediate; he’s a really accurate passer.” “One of my favourite things is that when I know the ball is hitting the receivers, I can really concentrate on his footwork, base, and the mechanics of where his eyes are.”

Although nothing will be entirely resolved in a single session, Young’s attempt to launch his NFL career is off to a positive start.