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“Invest in the Damn Kicker”: Ex-Panthers Legend Cam Newton Chooses Bryce Young as the Franchise QB Over Andy Dalton

Braden Ramsey
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Nov 24, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) talks to running back Jonathon Brooks (24) in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium.

The Carolina Panthers were a last-second field goal away from being on a three-game winning streak. They couldn’t pull it off against the Kansas City Chiefs though. But their sudden stretch of solid play has reinvigorated hopes that Bryce Young could be their franchise quarterback after all. If Panthers legend Cam Newton’s words carry any weight, Young may indeed be their guy. However, they sure need a kicker and other resources to finish close games, added Newton.

Newton expressed confidence in Young as Carolina’s signal-caller of the future while talking on his 4th & 1 podcast.

“You can win with Bryce Young. But you have to give him the resources… invest in playmakers, invest in the offensive line, invest in the defense. Invest in the damn kicker. Not to say they don’t have all those things or some of those things… [but] keep attaching pieces to the puzzle,” said Newton.

Carolina took measures to install a real foundation for Young this offseason. They added skill talent wide receiver Xavier Legette, running back Jonathan Brooks, and tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders in the first three rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. They also reinforced their offensive line in free agency.

Those supplements didn’t bear fruit during Young’s first two starts of the 2024 campaign. However, now that he has taken advantage of some time on the sidelines and developed a better understanding of the game, the Panthers’ moves have started to look more sound.

However, there’s no sugarcoating it: Young was awful to open this season. He completed 31/56 (55.3%) of his passes for 245 yards with three interceptions and zero touchdowns in Weeks 1 and 2. This led Carolina to bench him in favor of Andy Dalton.

Young was benched for Dalton after Week 2

Dalton, a three-time Pro Bowler during his time with the Cincinnati Bengals, dominated in Week 3, compiling 319 passing yards and three touchdowns in Carolina’s 36-22 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

His immediate success made all of the Panthers’ problems appear to be Young’s fault. But Dalton’s performance dropped off in the games that followed, culminating in a 93-yard, two-interception showing in Week 7.

After that contest, Carolina turned back to a new and improved Young. The Alabama college product hasn’t overwhelmed his opponents, but has mostly avoided turnovers and effectively managed games. That’s much better than what he was doing prior to his benching.

Young will look to continue proving himself when the Panthers (3-8) host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 13.

Post Edited By:Nidhi

About the author

Braden Ramsey

Braden Ramsey

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Braden Ramsey has always been a big NFL fan. He has written about the league for various outlets, and covered the sport at a number of levels throughout his life. His favorite team is the Baltimore Ravens. When he's not writing, Braden can be found enjoying comedy of all kinds and hanging out with friends.

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