Tom Brady points out quarterback ‘tragedy’ as Bryce Young benched by Panthers

Bryce Young has been bench by the Carolina Panthers – and Tom Brady believes it’s a “tragedy” that the former No. 1 pick is being forced to play so early in his career

Tom Brady feels sorry for Bryce Young and other young quarterbacks after claiming the game has changed

Tom Brady feels sorry for Bryce Young and other young quarterbacks after claiming the game has changed (
Image: FOX Sports)

Tom Brady has expressed sympathy for the rookie quarterbacks of today, labelling it a “tragedy” they are pushed into action too early in their NFL careers.

The 2024 quarterback class, which tied records with six first-round picks, has had a rocky start to the season. Three rookies have been thrust into starting roles: Caleb Williams for the Chicago Bears, Jayden Daniels for the Washington Commanders and Bo Nix for the Denver Broncos. Yet not one rookie has managed to throw a touchdown pass.

Aside from CJ Stroud, last year’s quarterback cohort has also found the going tough. The spotlight, however, is firmly on Bryce Young, who was picked first overall by the Carolina Panthers last year.

 

With a career record of 2-16 and a dismal start this season with 245 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions, Young has been informed by the Panthers that he will be benched for Week 3. Despite his struggles to make an impact in the NFL, Brady doesn’t point fingers at Young but rather at the system that puts him under pressure so soon.

Panthers coach Dave Canales has reiterated that “Bryce is our quarterback”, yet facing a potential season collapse, he’s opted to gamble on the experienced Andy Dalton. Young secured his top draft spot after an impressive 79 touchdowns in just 27 starts at Alabama, but even with such credentials, Brady isn’t convinced that Young should be playing in the NFL this early.

In an impassioned address captured on a live broadcast of ‘The Stephen A. Smith Show’, Brady said: “There used to be college programs. Now there are college teams. You’re no longer learning a program you’re learning a playbook. And the program is ultimately like at Michigan for me that was a pro-style program.

Bryce Young has been benched in the NFL
Bryce Young has been benched in the NFL ( 


Image:
Getty)
“For five years I got to learn how to drop back pass, to read defences, to read coverages, to be coached. I had to learn from being the seventh quarterback on the depth chart to moving up to third, to ultimately being a starter.

“I had to learn all those things in college. That was development. Then I went to New England and I was developed by Coach (Bill) Belichick and the offensive staff there. I didn’t start my first year I think it’s just a tragedy that we’re forcing these rookies to play early.

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“But the reality is the only reason why they are is because we dumbed the game down which has allowed them to play.

“It used to be thought of at a higher level. We used to spend hours and hours in the offseason, in training camp, trying to be a little bit better the next year but I think what happens is it discourages the coaches from going to deep levels because they realize the players don’t have the opportunity to go to a deep level so they’re just going to teach them where they’re at.”

Brady, who was a sixth-round pick in 2000, only played in one game during his rookie year. He got his big break with the New England Patriots due to an injury to quarterback Drew Bledsoe, and he seized the opportunity by winning the Super Bowl that year. From then on, both Brady and the Patriots never looked back.