Coach Dave Canales was noticeably excited about the fun he had calling plays for second-year quarterback Bryce Young in the Carolina Panthers' season finale against the Atlanta Falcons. It spoke volumes about the season.

The Carolina Panthers brought in Frank Reich, a former offensive guru with years of head coaching experience, to pair with rookie quarterback Bryce Young last y

In his postgame presser following another dreadful loss in Week 2, first-year Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales reassured everyone: Bryce Young was still their quarterback. The next day, he reversed course,

Whether it was a question about Bryce Young’s ascension or the defense allowing the all-time most points in a single season — it didn’t matter. Head coach Dave Canales was happy.

Following a couple of uninspiring games, the Panthers at one point this season benched Young in favor of veteran Andy Dalton and opted to continue making that decision week-to-week. Young did ultimately return under center (and ended with a bang), but it's safe to say the second-year QB's involvement next year was not yet a foregone conclusion.