Panthers OL coach James Campen: Batted balls not a bigger concern with Bryce Young
It’s business as usual for the Carolina Panthers and James Campen this season, no matter who’s under center.
Following another session of practice this week, the beloved offensive line coach spoke to reporters on Wednesday. Campen was asked by Joe Person of The Athletic if he and his unit will place more of an emphasis on preventing batted passes with 5-foot-10 rookie quarterback Bryce Young now in the fold.
“No, I don’t think so,” he replied. “You emphasize getting the hands down whether you have . . . I remember a couple of years ago, when I was with the Chargers, Justin [Herbert] had a few batted-downs and it was because we weren’t clearing out spots for him. So it really doesn’t make any difference. We’re gonna pass block, create space and keep our guys at the line of scrimmage—and that’s our job to do. So it’s not gonna be emphasized any more or less than it has any year.”
Batted balls were a bit of an issue for the Panthers offense last year, specifically with Baker Mayfield in the lineup. The six-foot passer had 12 of his 117 attempts (10.2 percent) tipped at the line of scrimmage through just four starts during the 2022 campaign.
But, hopefully for Carolina, this No. 1 overall pick doesn’t have the same problem.
