We may not be able to say the same about his knowledge of science, but Aaron Rodgers certainly knows a thing or two about growing into expectations at the NFL level. And on Tuesday, he offered a soothing remedy for Bryce Young and the ailing Carolina Panthers.
The New York Jets quarterback joined today’s episode of The Pat McAfee Show and was asked about the winless Panthers, who he saw a bit of this past summer. He said that despite the disappointing 0-6 start, the organization just has to remain patient.
“But I think they have a quarterback for the future,” he told McAfee. “They definitely have a pass rusher of the future. But they’re a young team. They’re a really young team. There’s gonna be some growing pains for all those guys. I mean, maybe not [C.J.] Stroud—he’s had some pretty smooth sailing so far. But there’s always gonna be growing pains in the first year.
“This is a real knee jerk-reaction league and media and fan base. I hope that that staff sticks around ’cause I think it’s a really well put-together staff on both sides of the ball. And I hope that they just have some patience—because they have some pieces, but they obviously need a few more pieces in order to compete and be relevant.”
Rodgers and his Jets met up with Young and his Panthers for a joint practice and subsequent preseason matchup back in August. The Super Bowl XLV champion and four-time Most Valuable Player came away with quite the impression of this year’s No. 1 overall pick, too—stating the Panthers are “in good hands” with Young.
The 22-year-old has undoubtedly experienced some of those growing pains, but did take a noticeable step forward this past weekend. Young, even in a 42-21 loss, pieced together a poised and sharp performance against the dominant Dolphins.
Oh, and that’s the Miami Dolphins—not the dolphins that Rodgers may or may not creep in on.
