Bryce Young isn’t just taking a step forward; he’s blasting off in year four, proving every doubter wrong with a stunning transformation that has the league buzzing. We’re talking a full-blown caterpillar-to-butterfly moment on the field, especially when you consider where he was just last season. Meanwhile, other young guns are under the microscope, and Cam Ward just got slapped with a ‘D+’ grade through four weeks. What in the world is going on with these rookie contract signal-callers and their early season grades?
The Bryce Young Blueprint: From Struggling to Stardom
It’s hard to believe this is the same Bryce Young we watched last year. Back then, he ranked a dismal 27th among starters in EPA/dropback, barely cracking 3,000 yards for the entire season. Fast forward to now, only four weeks in, and he’s leading the entire league with 1,268 passing yards, averaging a whopping 317 per game! His EPA/dropback has soared to 9th overall. This dude is cooking, and the Carolina Panthers are reaping the benefits, scoring 32 or more points in three of their four games this season. Think about that for a second: they didn’t hit that mark a single time all of last year. It’s a complete flip, and frankly, it’s thrilling to watch a young QB finally connect.
The Genius Behind the Leap
So, how did Young turn it around so dramatically? It’s never just one thing, but two huge factors jump out: his ability to diagnose plays presnap and his much-improved postsnap footwork. Everyone knew coming out of Alabama that Young could create big plays outside of structure. He’s always averaged more yards per attempt on dropbacks over 2.6 seconds than under, and that’s continued. The problem? His first three seasons, plays inside the structure were a disaster. He rarely knew where to go with the ball in rhythm, averaging a measly 5.5 yards per attempt on throws under 2.6 seconds. Yikes, right?
But this year? That number has rocketed up to 7.8 yards per attempt on those quick throws, and his completion percentage on them is up a full 7.0 points from his previous career high. He’s seeing the field like a veteran, making split-second decisions that are changing games. Take one play, for example: he recognizes a blitz, adjusts protection to bring an extra blocker into the mix, then spots that his back and receiver were in motion at the same time. He calls for his receiver, Tetairoa McMillan, to set, avoiding an illegal motion penalty. Then, with absolutely no hurry in his footwork, he sets up and delivers a dime right to his receiver’s chest. That’s the kind of next-level play that turns a good quarterback into an elite one.
What’s Next for the Rookie Contract QBs?
While Young is clearly lighting it up, the path isn’t smooth for everyone. Tyler Shough in New Orleans is also proving he’s “the real deal,” though we don’t have all the details on his surge just yet. And then there’s Cam Ward, stuck with that ‘D+’ grade. It’s a brutal reminder that the constant evaluation process for these rookie contract QBs is absolutely relentless. Every week, GMs and fans are asking, “Can this guy win us a Lombardi?” Young is answering with a resounding “yes” right now, and the league better be ready.
Speaking of winners, our own Seattle Seahawks closed out their game against the Los Angeles Chargers with a 30-23 victory. Go Hawks!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Leave a Reply