Carolina Panthers owner, David Tepper, remains steadfast in his belief that he made the right choice in selecting Bryce Young over C.J. Stroud in the NFL Draft, despite the team’s struggles and mounting criticism. Tepper, a billionaire hedge fund manager who has owned the team since 2018, expressed his unwavering confidence in Young during a press conference following the firing of head coach Frank Reich.
Key Takeaway
David Tepper, owner of the Carolina Panthers, is standing by his decision to draft Bryce Young over C.J. Stroud, despite the team’s poor performance.
Tepper addressed questions about the quarterback situation, stating, “In the case of Bryce, I believe it was a unanimous decision with the coaches and the scouts. We preferred Bryce. He was our number one pick. We are totally confident in that pick.”
This statement comes in the midst of speculation that Tepper exerted pressure on the team’s personnel to select Young, despite their preference for Stroud, as reported by Pro Football Talk.
Tepper vehemently denied these claims, stating that they are untrue.
While Stroud is currently enjoying a successful season with the Texans, boasting impressive stats including 3,266 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and a QB rating of 100.8, Young has struggled with his performance. Young’s numbers stand at 1,877 passing yards, 9 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. His completion percentage sits at 61.7%, and his QB rating is 74.9.
Tepper also addressed the recent firing of Frank Reich and dismissed accusations of impatience with coaches. He stated, “There are reasons for each individual situation. I do have patience.”
It is worth noting that Tepper has previously fired Ron Rivera, Perry Fewell, Matt Rhule, and most recently, Frank Reich. With the Panthers facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday, it is crucial for the coaching and front office staff to turn things around in order to secure their positions moving forward.
