Watch: Panthers rookie QB awkwardly channels a Hall of Famer on 'MNF'

The Panthers are 0-2 and have a toothless Young-led offense, but they can look to history for hope. 

In 1983, John Elway was selected with the first pick of the NFL Draft by Baltimore. He refused to sign with the Colts, leading to a trade to Denver. As a rookie for Broncos, he played in 11 games and put up lousy stats (47.5% completion percentage, seven TD passes, 14 interceptions). 

He also needed a reminder from a teammate to line up under the center rather than the guard. 

Elway went on to win two Super Bowls and make nine Pro Bowls and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

While it is far too early to put those same expectations on 2023's top overall draft pick, Young has shown flashes of why Panthers fans shouldn't panic. 

In the second quarter on Monday night, Young ran play action and rolled out to his left before calmly firing a dart to D.J. Chark Jr. for 15 yards and a first down. He also appears to be developing a strong on-field rapport with veteran Adam Thielen, who caught a touchdown and the following two-point conversion. 

He even displayed elusiveness as a runner, picking up 26 yards on a third-and-11 to keep alive a fourth-quarter drive that culminated with a field goal. 

"I've seen this before," said head coach Frank Reich, per Newton. "[Young] is not that far away. It looks bad but, really, I don't believe that it's far away." 

While Young's overall numbers are awful, Carolina Panthers fans should remain patient. There is still plenty to be excited about with the rookie QB.