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Bryce Young shares feelings on watching players get cut

DSprofileby:Dustin Schutte08/22/23

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bryce young preseason
Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

There are a lot of new aspects to the game that Bryce Young has to learn now that he’s in the NFL. Seeing teammates get waived isn’t exactly one of the highlights.

Throughout training camp and preseason games, teams evaluate talent constantly, making tough decisions to cut and waive players. It’s a new thing for Young, who enters his rookie year with Carolina.

While meeting with reporters, Young was asked about that part of the NFL. The former Alabama star talked about how tough it can be to see players get released.

“Yeah, it’s tough to see something like that. This is different for me, of course, being new to the league,” Young said. “Different dynamics. But, unfortunately, that’s part of the business. Again, you hate to see things like that happen.

“We’re big on competition. Nobody is entitled to anything. Every day we try to compete and do what’s best for the team. I know it’s tough for the front office and coaching staff to make that decision, as well. Obviously, we’re football players. But we’re men. Husbands and fathers.”

Everyone understands that the NFL is a business. Organizations have to make decisions that are in their best interest. But it doesn’t make this aspect of the game any easier.

It also gives Young a sense of urgency, knowing that nothing can be taken for granted at this level.

Bryce Young talks about ‘fine-tuning’ before regular season

Young has gotten his first taste of NFL action in the preseason, though it’s been limited. The No. 1 overall pick has played in each of the first two preseason contests for the Panthers but has thrown just 12 total passes.

Young completed seven of those throws for 56 yards in limited reps.

As the regular season approaches quickly, Young was asked what he needs to fine-tune before the opener against Atlanta on Sept. 10. He acknowledged there’s plenty of room for improvement.

“Operation. I think really just continuing to grow in the ownership of the playbook and command of the huddle and things of that nature,” Young said. “And then just being more efficient with execution with where my eyes wanna be pre- and post-snap. Making sure it’s a smooth operation from a ball-handling standpoint. Cadence, footwork, all those sorts of things.

“Just trying to keep fine-tuning that and keep pushing that and not being complacent. Keep trying to grow. The coaches do a great job of pushing myself and everyone in the QB room, so I’m really dialed in on that.”

We’ll see how ready Young is when the season kicks off in a few weeks.