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CJ Stroud weighs in on Bryce Young’s rookie season ahead of Texans-Panthers game
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Amidst some early season struggles for Bryce Young, CJ Stroud gave his thoughts on Young’s rookie season so far.
Young, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has thrown for 967 yards, 6 touchdowns and 4 interceptions as the Carolina Panthers still search for their first win of the season. While many Panthers’ fans have put the blame on Young, Stroud believes he’s played solid in his rookie season.
“Honestly and personally, watching the film and watching every game of his, I don’t think in any way, aspect, or form, he’s playing bad,” Stroud said in a press conference Wednesday. “That’s what people think if you’re not winning or you have a turnover here or there. Bryce is playing some really good football. I just don’t think people watch in depth — like if you’re a quarterback, you know. I think he’s playing really well.”
Obviously Stroud knows there’s room for improvement. He’s going through his rookie season, too, and learning along the way. Throughout both of their rookie seasons, the 2 have kept in contact and supported one another.
“Of course, there’s always things you can clean up. I can clean up a lot of things. I’m not here to be his coach — I’m here just to support,” Stroud said. “We texted a couple of weeks ago, just checking in on each other and it was nothing about football. That’s not our relationship, but personally, I think he’s playing well and I think he’ll continue to be great in this game because he has that swagger and mentality and that type of playing style.”
Stroud is having a much different rookie season. He’s thrown for 1,660 yards, 9 touchdowns and just 1 interception, leading the Houston Texans to a 3-3 record.
On Sunday, the No. 1 and No. 2 picks will battle it out for the first time as the Panthers take on the Texans. Young is looking for a big game against the quarterback that many Panthers’ fans believe should have been drafted in his place.
The game will kickoff at 1 p.m. ET Sunday.
