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Jenna Laine, ESPN Employees Author
TAMPA, Fla. — Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield voiced his assist for Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young on Wednesday, two days after the 2023 first general draft decide was benched following an 0-2 begin.
“Clearly [my career] did not occur in the identical timeframe as Bryce, however quarterback’s onerous, particularly for younger guys once you’re not surrounded with the items … and you are not given the chance to have success,” Mayfield stated.
“A number of time, guys have the expertise, they could have the brains, however they do not have the precise alternative or the precise match. I am sitting right here proper now in a approach higher match than the opposite locations I have been. That is to not put different groups down. Nevertheless it’s a matter of the items round you, the coaches. And for Bryce, a man that — I can relate to this — discovering that perception inside your self once more. He’ll get it. His story is much, removed from completed.”
Mayfield would know. After 4 seasons with the Cleveland Browns, the 2018 first general draft decide was traded to the Panthers in 2022, the place he began six video games and was waived, earlier than a five-game stint with the Los Angeles Rams. A one-year “show it” cope with Tampa Bay in 2023 culminated in an NFC South title and a three-year deal for Mayfield price $100 million earlier than this season.
Mayfield has credited the Bucs’ organizational stability, teaching workers, scheme, weapons and them permitting him to be himself that helped revive his profession. His resurgence was aided by new head Panthers coach Dave Canales, who was then the Bucs’ offensive coordinator. Mayfield stated Canales’ positivity left an enduring mark.
“I informed you guys, he is an optimist bully,” Mayfield stated. “Discovering methods to make issues work when it isn’t the perfect appears to be like or issues aren’t going nicely and being optimistic about it, concerning the subsequent alternative. So yeah, it is no matter they’re doing — I am certain it is for a great purpose, whether or not it is to only give Bryce time. Not of their constructing, not of their conferences, so cannot actually remark an excessive amount of on it.”
Canales introduced Monday that the Panthers have been benching Younger in favor of veteran Andy Dalton. Younger has gone 2-16 because the starter since Carolina traded up eight spots with the Chicago Bears to draft him No. 1 final yr. The Panthers misplaced his first two begins this season by a mixed 73-13 as he posted an 8.9 QBR — by far the worst within the NFL amongst certified quarterbacks this season.
Mayfield has lengthy been a fan and supporter of Younger and spoke final season concerning the challenges {that a} rookie first general decide should overcome.
“Quarterback is likely one of the hardest positions to play in sports activities, particularly for him popping out as a No. 1 decide. Clearly, should you’re the No. 1 decide, you are going there for a purpose — [the team] hadn’t had success,” Mayfield stated earlier than Week 1 final yr. “He is attempting to go in there and be the man that he was in school, nevertheless it’s a distinct recreation. He is attempting to translate what he is aware of he is finest at, however on the similar time, command a locker room filled with grown-ass males. It is completely different, far and wide. You’ve got bought youngsters and households — it is completely different relationships that you simply actually have to know and be capable of relate to. It is a problem. Bryce has an excellent head on his shoulders. I’ve little doubt that he will have a protracted profession. I am trying ahead to seeing what he does — besides for 2 video games out of the yr.”
