Carolina Panthers

NFL QB Stock Report, Week⁤ 5: Concerns Mount for Bryce‍ Young as Others Rise

Baltimore, MD – Week 5 of​ the⁣ NFL season delivered a stark ⁢contrast in quarterback ⁢narratives, with rising performances from some rookies and‍ veterans overshadowed‌ by growing concerns⁤ surrounding Carolina Panthers’ first-overall pick, Bryce‌ Young. Simultaneously occurring, the injury to Lamar Jackson of ‍the Baltimore‍ Ravens sparked a conversation about the value of quarterback depth and‍ long-term development.

The Indianapolis Colts, ‍despite a promising start ⁢to the⁢ season, stumbled in ⁣a loss to⁤ the Los Angeles Rams, a‌ game where opportunities were squandered. While ⁣Anthony‍ richardson wasn’t directly at fault for critical errors – Adonai Mitchell inexplicably fumbled through the end zone, costing a touchdown, and a ⁣late hold ⁣negated a jonathan Taylor touchdown – the Colts failed to capitalize ⁤on a favorable situation, highlighting⁢ areas for advancement.

Perhaps the ‍most intriguing storyline emerged from⁣ Baltimore, where Jackson exited the team’s loss to⁣ the ‌Kansas City Chiefs with a hamstring injury. This absence brought into ⁢focus ⁢the potential role Shedeur Sanders could have​ played,had his draft ⁢preferences been different. Sanders reportedly communicated to​ the Ravens during the April NFL Draft ‌that he preferred to​ be⁤ selected elsewhere, according to his father, Deion Sanders, on the Kelce brothers’ “New‍ Heights” ​podcast. Sanders’ reasoning centered on avoiding a ⁤long-term ​backup role behind Jackson.

However, that strategy has left him⁣ as the Browns’ third-string ⁣quarterback, ⁢behind john⁤ Flacco and Dillon Gabriel, after being selected in the⁣ fifth‌ round. While Flacco’s ⁤struggles and the potential for ⁢Gabriel to⁤ falter could open a door for​ Sanders later ‍in the ⁣season, he ⁣remains behind on the depth chart.‍ The Browns, led by two-time NFL⁣ Coach of the Year‌ Kevin Stefanski, have a history of quarterback development challenges.

The Jackson injury underscores the ⁢importance of ‌quality quarterback depth.Jackson has missed 12 games due to injury between 2020 ⁢and 2023,‌ and his ⁢playing style leaves him vulnerable. The Ravens have previously supported backups ⁢like Tyler⁢ Huntley ⁣effectively ⁤during Jackson’s⁢ absences,‌ suggesting Sanders would⁢ have‌ had resources available to him. A successful stint in Baltimore could have even positioned ​Sanders for a trade to a⁣ team seeking a starting quarterback.

The situation‍ serves as a cautionary tale: quarterbacks should⁢ carefully consider the long-term benefits ​of development within a respected organization, rather than ⁢prioritizing a perhaps⁣ quicker, but ultimately less secure, path to ​playing time.

(Photo: Evan Bernstein / ⁢Getty Images)