Bryce Young’s dramatic turnaround has reached the point where even his harshest early critics may need to reconsider everything they said. As the Carolina Panthers enter their Week 5 bye at 2-2, former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Robert Griffin III is demanding apologies for those who labeled Young a bust after his difficult first season.

“Some of y'all owe Bryce Young an apology,” Griffin wrote on social media.

He argued that quarterbacks are judged far too quickly if they do not immediately resemble Patrick Mahomes. Young endured 62 sacks, averaged just 5.5 yards per attempt and posted a 73.7 passer rating during that brutal campaign. Now, however, the numbers look dramatically different. Young leads the NFL with 1,268 passing yards. He ranks among the league leaders with nine touchdown passes and has posted a 100.0 passer rating while averaging 7.8 yards per attempt.

Griffin believes the transformation goes beyond statistics. He praises Young’s improved processing and pocket poise under Dave Canales.

“He's trusting what he sees,” Griffin said.

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He also added that Young is playing quarterback “like he did at Alabama,” consistently anticipating defensive movements. The message is clear: development is rarely linear. Young’s patience is finally paying dividends.

Through four games, Young has emerged as Carolina’s offensive centerpiece despite injuries to Jonathon Brooks and Xavier Legette. His connection with Tetairoa McMillan has become particularly dangerous. Young’s 329-yard, two-touchdown, zero-turnover performance against Detroit also showcased his growth under pressure. With a 9-to-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio and renewed confidence, Young is making those early bust labels look increasingly premature.