Justin Houston may be new to the Carolina Panthers, but he’s not new to quarterbacks—whether he’s playing with them or taking them down. And he believes his new team has themselves a keeper at the position.
Following Friday night’s preseason loss to the New York Giants, Houston—per MMQB senior NFL reporter Albert Breer—said the following of rookie Bryce Young:
Panthers OLB Justin Houston on his impressions of Bryce Young thus far: “This organization is in great hands.”
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) August 19, 2023
This isn’t the first time a decorated NFL veteran used those very words about the 2023 No. 1 overall pick. Four-time Most Valuable Player and New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, in fact, beat Houston to the punch back in training camp.
“I like the kid a lot,” Rodgers told reporters a week and a half ago. “We share an agent. So I’ve known him for a long time. I love watching him in college. I like his demeanor, I like his movement, I like the way he throws.
“I trust a guy like Adam [Thielen]. Him and I have been buddies for a long time, and he just raves about him. So, I think Carolina is in good hands.”
Young finished his second preseason start of the summer having completed three of his six throws for 35 yards. So while the numbers aren’t exactly there—even for exhibition play—the poise and the acclaim certainly are.
