Comparison is the thief of joy. 

That is why Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young doesn't engage in it. 

Heading into a Week 8 matchup with the Houston Texans, Young knows the NFL public is comparing C.J. Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick, and Young, who was taken No. 1 after the Panthers traded the future for a chance at a franchise quarterback. 

Recently, Young was asked about the comparisons that have flooded in. And his approach to them is to let people say what they want while he focuses on his job — being the Panthers quarterback. 

"It’s not really something I focus on," Young said. "It’s not really something I put energy into. Again, for me, I try to run my own race, be the best version of myself, and focus on the things I can control. And I wish everyone well.”

Bryce Young speaks to the media https://t.co/Olz0mjsBbj

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) October 25, 2023

Out of the bye week, the Panthers feel like they have a new breath of life. Frank Reich is no longer calling the plays. He relinquished that responsibility to Thomas Brown, the 37-year-old offensive coordinator who coached under Sean McVay. 

Young was excited by the move.

The change of play-calling duties should assist Young in improving his counting stats, which could lead to more wins. 

As incremental improvement takes place for Young, he isn't focusing on what Stroud, the Texans, and the public may think.

Comparison is the thief of joy, so Young isn't engaging in it. 

Frank Reich validates belief in Bryce Young ahead of Week 8 matchup against Texans

Out of the bye week, the Carolina Panthers will have an up-front look at the quarterback they drafted and the quarterback they could have had.

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Week 8 has a lot riding on it for Bryce Young.