Michael Vick has high praise for CJ Stroud, Bryce Young
Michael Vick knows a thing or two about being an NFL quarterback, and he’s been smitten with the play of the league’s young signal callers in 2023.
Even though CJ Stroud gets a lion-share of the praise from pundits and players alike, Vick made sure to give some love to Bryce Young, who’s done all he can during a disastrous season for the Carolina Panthers.
“Watching him (Stroud) go out there and do what he’s doing, playing so calm and so poised, it’s a credit to you know, the people who have been involved in his football upbringing. I think they did a great job of making sure he had the smarts and the wherewithal, to get in and out of the huddle with everything that entails, and find a way to move the chains,” Vick said, via the NFL on FOX Podcast. “So extremely proud of him.
“I’m proud of all the young quarterbacks, even Bryce Young, who hasn’t had the best season, by any stretch. But continues to go out and battle. Continues to go out and have the right attitude and learn. That goes a long way. Year 2, I expect more. Obviously everybody’s not the same. Just to see CJ doing what he’s doing, we’ve got to tip our hat off to him.”
Alas, Stroud has been incredible throughout his rookie season. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft has quickly turned the Houston Texans from a laughing stock to a playoff contender.
The former Ohio State quarterback has thrown for 3540 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and five interceptions on the season, bringing the Texans to a 7-5 record, with their eyes on the AFC Wild Card. It remains to be seen if they can achieve it, but Stroud has put them in position.
On the other hand, Young’s Carolina Panthers are in an opposite boat. The team sits at 1-11 on the season, and Young has dealt with injuries, rookie struggles and a coaching change in Year 1.
He hasn’t been perfect, passing for 2055 yards and throwing nine touchdowns and nine interceptions, but Young has flashed at times. Still, many in Carolina expected more out of the top pick in the draft, who they traded a myriad of picks to select.
Nevertheless, Michael Vick sees the good in both quarterbacks. Time will tell if Bryce Young can get it together, but CJ Stroud is already playing like a young star.