ATLANTA — The Carolina Panthers are kicking off a new era with Bryce Young as the face of the franchise. It’s just the sort of hype one would expect for the NFL’s No. 1 draft pick.
There’s far less hoopla surrounding the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, though they have equally high hopes for Desmond Ridder as he takes charge of their offense.
Ridder and Young will be the center of attention Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where the Falcons will host the Panthers in a season-opening NFC South Division matchup.
Atlanta and Carolina have followed similar paths by struggling in recent years — neither has had a winning record since 2017, which was also the most recent season either made the playoffs — and now both franchises are counting on young quarterbacks to lead them to a brighter future.
With Frank Reich taking over as coach of the Panthers, they pinned their rebuilding hopes on Young, who won the 2021 Heisman Trophy during a brilliant career at Alabama. Officially named the starter by Reich on July 26 — the day after Young’s 22nd birthday — the former Crimson Tide standout isn’t thinking beyond his first game as a pro.