The Carolina Panthers took the future of the franchise into their own hands this offseason by trading up to select Bryce Young. Now with the season approaching and opposing rosters taking shape, fans have an array of interesting quarterback matchups to look forward to. Young will be tested throughout the entirety of the season, but which duels are most worth keeping an eye on?
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
One of the most notable quarterback matchups of the entire NFL season will take place when the Panthers face the Texans. The week eight showdown will feature the top two picks of the 2023 NFL Draft. After the selection of Young, the Texans decided to take C.J. Stroud, the quarterback from Ohio State.
Young and Stroud have been great friends for years, and were even Heisman finalists together in 2021. Now all eyes will be on the two as they face off as the future faces of NFL franchises.
To spice things up even more, it was heavily reported that the Texans were desperate to find a way to get Young. Now led by his counterpart, Houston will look to make a statement in Carolina.Â
Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts
Stroud won’t be the only college sensation and top five selection Young will look to outperform this year. The Panthers face the Colts and Anthony Richardson in week nine. Richardson was rumored to be headed to the Panthers for weeks before Carolina traded up to the number one pick.
Now Young will attempt to prove his team made the correct selection by choosing him over Richardson. Both quarterbacks also come from top tier SEC schools, but never faced off in college.
Young racked up accolades during his time in college, while Richardson has been deemed a high-upside prospect. Now with a level playing field in the NFL, both will have the opportunity to showcase their talents.Â
Desmond Ridder, Atlanta Falcons
In early 2022, Bryce Young and Alabama easily handled the Cincinnati Bearcats in the first round of the College Football Playoffs. Cincinnati was undefeated before the game, led by Desmond Ridder, who joined the program in 2018.
It was a disappointing end to a strong college career for Ridder, who was selected 74th overall by the Falcons soon after. Now starting in his sophomore season, Ridder will have a shot at redemption against Young. Both quarterbacks wound up in the NFC South, on up and coming teams.
Their first meeting will be in week one, as Young makes his NFL debut. Young will try to prove he was worth the first overall pick, while Ridder aims to maintain a starting role.
Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Staying within the division, the Panthers will take on a familiar face in their two games against the Buccaneers this season. After an unsuccessful short stint last season, the Panthers traded Baker Mayfield to the Rams.
Mayfield then left L.A. in order to join the Buccaneers this offseason. While his time in Carolina may have been short, Mayfield’s personality isn’t one to shy away from a shot at payback.
With issues across the board early last season, there’s a case to be made that the poor results weren’t Mayfield’s fault. He’ll have the chance to prove just that in week 13 and 18 next year, by showing up the Panther’s rookie phenom.
Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
Young and the Panthers have a slew of games against quarterbacks taken first overall this year. The most notable of those won’t be until week 17 though, when the Panthers head to Jacksonville.
Trevor Lawrence had a breakout last season, turning into exactly what the Jaguars hoped for when they selected him in 2021. He led the team to a wildcard victory over the Chargers, and will look to take another leap this season. Young could make a statement by outperforming Lawrence in the penultimate week of the season.
The Panthers aren’t a major opponent on paper for the Jaguars, but the game presents a huge opportunity for Young and company. His rookie season will be nearing its conclusion, and a strong performance could have a lasting impact on his confidence.
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Featured image courtesy of the Carolina Panthers
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