The Carolina Panthers plan to start quarterback Bryce Young in Week 8 following a minor car accident involving backup Andy Dalton. However, expectations for a breakout performance from Young should be tempered. The Panthers (1-6) face the Denver Broncos (4-3), a team that has dominated young quarterbacks recently, including New Orleans Saints rookie Spencer Rattler in Week 7.
While Young isn’t a rookie, he’s still dealing with many of the same challenges. In his 18 career starts, he has struggled, particularly in his two starts this season before being benched for Dalton in Week 3. Since then, Young has only seen brief action, most recently completing 2-of-2 passes for negative yardage in a blowout loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 7.
Denver’s defense excels at pressuring quarterbacks, which poses a significant problem for Young, who has struggled under pressure. His 29.2% pressure-to-sack rate is the highest among quarterbacks with at least 75 dropbacks this season, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). The Broncos have tallied 13 sacks in their last four games against rookie starters, including six sacks on Rattler in a 33-10 victory.
Led by defensive tackle Zach Allen, who leads the league in total pressures (39), Denver ranks second in sacks (28) and fifth in pressure rate (28.6%). Given these defensive strengths, Denver presents a tough challenge for Young as he looks to regain his starting job. If Week 8 is seen as an audition for Young to prove himself, it may not end in his favor.