Nick Saban praises Bryce Young’s growth, poise as Panthers, former Alabama QB turn corner

Bryce Young’s early NFL career hasn’t been without challenges. However, the former Alabama star is beginning to find his rhythm.

After a slow start, the Carolina Panthers have now won back-to-back games. In the meantime, Young’s steady improvement has caught the attention of his former coach and one of football’s most respected voices in Nick Saban.

He joined The Pat McAfee Show on Friday to discuss Young’s development. Saban offered insight into what’s driving the young quarterback’s turnaround while praising Young’s mental makeup and ability to stay composed in the face of adversity.

“Bryce has the right psychological disposition to be successful,” Saban said. “But I think one of the things that probably impacted Bryce a little bit in the beginning of his career is — you know, Bryce is a point guard playing quarterback. He can make all the throws and all the plays. He’s athletic, but he’s got to have some decent players around him.

“I think when he first went to Carolina, they didn’t have a very good supporting cast around him, which I think was a bit of a problem. I think now they’ve gotten some better weapons on offense, and he can take advantage of those things. … He never got frustrated when things didn’t go well. He never got way up here when we were having a lot of success. And he always prepared the same way for every game. And I think that’s what he’s doing now. I think it’s starting to pay off for their team.”

Pat McAfee agreed, saying he sees the same confidence and control that made Young a Heisman Trophy winner at Alabama now translating to the next level: “I like what the Panthers are doing. I like Bryce Young’s leadership,” McAfee added. “They called him the Stephen Curry of the draft — a point guard who can change the game. … If he’s able to win there, he’ll be beloved in Carolina forever.”

His numbers aren’t gaudy, as Young has passed for 1,150 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions through six games. Still, the quarterback has been clutch, helping Carolina claw back to relevance in the NFC South after years are despair.

Through it all, Saban remains one of Young’s biggest supporters, and he’s not surprised by the progress: “I’m very, very hopeful,” he said. “He did such a fantastic job for us. To see him do well, especially after a little bit of a rocky start, is something that I’d love to see happen.”

The Panthers will look to keep the momentum going when they face the New York Jets on Sunday. It’s certainly a winnable game, and one where Carolina can get above .500 for the first time since 2021.