The Carolina Panthers have made a bold move just two games into the 2024 NFL season by benching Bryce Young, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick, in favor of veteran Andy Dalton. The decision follows an 0-2 start for the Panthers, who have struggled to find their footing early in the season.
Bumpy Start for Young
Bryce Young's early struggles have been evident as the team failed to notch a win in their first two matchups. The rookie quarterback has taken personal accountability for his performance. "At the end of the day, we had a ton of drives, a ton of games that I didn't do enough during that," reflected Young. "I look in the mirror and I take accountability for that. ... For the most part, every snap hit my hands and I didn't do enough with it at the end of the day."
Despite his rocky start, the team has shown support for him. Several Panthers players stood by Young after their Week 2 loss to the Chargers, and even LeBron James took to social media to lift the young quarterback’s spirits, stating that the benching "ain't on you."
The Coaching and Team Perspective
Head coach Dave Canales, tasked with steering the team through this challenging period, faces a crucial juncture. The Panthers have leaned heavily on their running game in the first two outings, with 38 rushing attempts recorded, yet their opponents have exploited this strategy, combining for 81 rushing attempts in those same games. The imbalance has not favored the Panthers, necessitating a need for strategic adjustments.
Young, for his part, is taking the situation in stride and maintaining a team-first attitude. "Not something I was necessarily expecting. Obviously, not something that was great to hear, but I respect Coach [Dave] Canales, I respect the organization. They made the decision. ... Right now, that's the situation that it is. I have to do everything to help the team whatever way I can."
He further emphasized his commitment to contributing however possible. "Really, I'm a day-by-day type of person. Big picture stuff, that's out of my hands. That's in God's hands. Organizational stuff, that's with the people upstairs. I'm super grateful to be part of this team, this organization. I wanna help the team any way I can, and that's my focus."
Crucial Stretch Ahead
With the next slate of games considered crucial for the Panthers, the pressure is on both the coaching staff and players to turn the season around. Andy Dalton's experience is expected to provide a stabilizing presence, but the team must address their broader strategic inconsistencies to find success.
The decision to bench Young, however temporary, underscores the urgency within the organization to recalibrate and seek immediate improvement. Bryce Young’s story is far from over, and his resilience and attitude will be key factors in his eventual return to the field. For now, the Panthers and their fans wait with bated breath to see if this shake-up can bring about the momentum change they desperately need.