How the Bears Assessed Panthers' Bryce Young Ahead of the Draft
Last offseason, the Chicago Bears were at a crossroads with a decision that could pivot the direction of the franchise: Should they continue with Justin Fields as their quarterback, or should they trade him and use the No. 1 overall pick to select a new QB?
General Manager Ryan Poles had set a high bar, stating it would take an exceptional impression from Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Anthony Richardson, or Will Levis to consider moving on from Fields. After thoroughly evaluating what many considered a less than stellar quarterback draft class, the Bears opted to maintain their commitment to Fields and traded the top pick to the Carolina Panthers, acquiring wide receiver DJ Moore and additional draft picks in the process.
The Panthers, with that No. 1 pick, chose Bryce Young, the standout from Alabama and the 2021 Heisman Trophy recipient. Meanwhile, the Bears entered the 2022 season with Fields as their starting quarterback.
So far, neither team's season has unfolded as hoped. Nine weeks in, the Bears are struggling with a 2-7 record after a messy defeat to the New Orleans Saints. Fields had a shaky start to the season and has been sidelined for the past three games due to a dislocated right thumb.
On the other side, the Panthers are at 1-7, having already switched their play-caller midseason. Young has had a rough introduction to the NFL, with a mere 1,375 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions to his name, including two interceptions returned for touchdowns in a recent game against the Colts. With a completion rate of just 63.9% and a QBR of 29.5�placing him 32nd in the league�Young's initiation has been challenging.
The Bears will face Young for the first time in the NFL when the Panthers visit Soldier Field. Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy acknowledged Young's potential during the pre-draft period, yet ultimately, the Bears' leadership wasn't convinced he was worth forgoing the opportunity to develop Fields.
Getsy praised Young's pro day performance, highlighting his natural passing ability and quick release, regardless of distance. However, these attributes weren't enough to sway the Bears' decision-making.
The upcoming game against the Panthers holds significance for the Bears beyond the current season, particularly concerning the 2024 NFL Draft. The Bears possess the Panthers' first-round pick for that year, part of the trade that allowed Carolina to draft Young. Currently, the Bears are projected to have the second and third overall picks, though the Cardinals and Giants are contenders for the top spots according to ESPN's Football Power Index.
While the Giants face a daunting schedule and the Cardinals are not far behind, the Bears and Panthers have a comparatively easier path ahead. A win against the Panthers could improve the Bears' record to 3-7 and push the Panthers towards the likelihood of the top draft pick.
Young's career as an NFL quarterback could still be prosperous despite his current struggles. The Bears' immediate objective is to ensure those struggles persist on Thursday night.
Yet, the Bears have had their share of troubles this season. If they were to be outplayed by Young�the quarterback they decided against drafting�it would add to a series of unfortunate events they've encountered this year.
| POLL | ||
8 NOVEMBRE | 24 ANSWERS How the Bears Assessed Panthers' Bryce Young Ahead of the Draft Will the Bears regret not drafting C.J. Stroud? | ||
| Yes | 14 | 58.3 % |
| No | 10 | 41.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
