Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud have been linked before, are linked now and will be linked forever. It’s just how it goes.
The former spoke about that connection this afternoon, just a few days ahead of the Week 8 matchup between his Carolina Panthers and Stroud’s Houston Texans. Young, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft, was asked about his thoughts on the early comparisons to his longtime pal, the No. 2 overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft.
“Whether it’s media or fans or people say—everyone’s obviously always gonna have an opinion,” he replied. “That’s the beauty of sports. Everyone has a voice and everyone gets to talk, and I think everyone’s entitled to have opinions and comparisons. It’s always a part of the game. That’s not a me thing. It happens with everyone. So, that’s a part of it and it’s always gonna be a part of it.
“But for me, it’s not really something I focus on. It’s not really something I put energy into. Again, for me, I try to run my own race, be the best version of myself and focus on the things I can control. And I wish everyone well.”
Stroud has been doing quite well, as he’s already picked up an Offensive Rookie of the Month award and has the Texans at a very respectable 3-3 mark. Young, however, hasn’t seen nearly as much success—as he’s passed for 693 fewer yards, three fewer touchdowns and three more interceptions with the Panthers sitting at 0-6.
Nonetheless, Young’s race isn’t against Stroud—even when the two rookies go “head to head” this Sunday.
