The Carolina Panthers have made a significant decision early in the 2024 NFL season, opting to bench Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft, after just two games. Young, who was seen as a franchise quarterback for the Panthers, finds himself behind veteran Andy Dalton on the depth chart as the team looks to pivot after an 0-2 start to the season.
A Surprising Move
This development catches many by surprise. Young’s benching comes after the Panthers struggled offensively in their opening two games. They ran the ball 38 times while their opponents combined for 81 rushing attempts against them. The team’s inability to generate momentum and secure a victory prompted head coach Dave Canales and the organization to make a tough call.
"Not something I was necessarily expecting," Young commented on the decision. "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."
Support System
Despite the setback, Young is not without support. LeBron James, a legend in the realm of sports, reached out via social media, offering words of encouragement: "ain't on you." Several Panthers players also rallied behind their young quarterback after their Week 2 loss to the Chargers, underscoring the camaraderie within the team.
Young’s attitude remains commendably positive and team-oriented. "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," he stated.
Taking Accountability
The young quarterback is not shirking responsibility for the team's rough start. "At the end of the day, we had a ton of drives, a ton of games that I didn't do enough during that. 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," Young reflected.
Challenges Ahead
With Andy Dalton stepping into the starting role, the next few games will be crucial for the Panthers. Head coach Canales will be tasked with steering the team through this challenging period. While it’s a significant leadership test for Canales, it’s also a critical juncture for the franchise, aiming to realign its offensive strategy and put some wins on the board.
The Panthers’ approach might involve a more balanced attack, potentially increasing their passing attempts to complement their ground game. How Dalton integrates with the offensive unit and how the team responds to this shake-up will be key areas observers will watch keenly. One thing remains clear: the support for Bryce Young from his teammates and beyond highlights the resilience and unity in the Panthers’ camp, qualities they will need to rely on as the season progresses.