Panthers Bench Bryce Young, Turn to Andy Dalton as Starting Quarterback vs. Raiders
In a significant quarterback shift, the Carolina Panthers have decided to bench their 2023 first-overall pick Bryce Young and start veteran Andy Dalton for their upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders. The decision comes after a rough start to the season for the young quarterback, as confirmed by head coach Dave Canales on Monday.
The Panthers’ coaching staff, led by Canales, alongside general manager Dan Morgan and executive vice president Brandt Tillis, agreed that Dalton would give the team its best chance to turn their season around, which currently sits at 0-2. According to sources, the team was informed of this decision during Monday’s positional meetings. Canales acknowledged that this choice, while difficult, aims to improve the team’s performance moving forward.
Bryce Young’s Early Struggles
Bryce Young, the highly touted top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has struggled to find his rhythm in the NFL. His performances in the first two games of the season were historically poor, culminating in a 26-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2, where Young threw for only 84 yards—one of the lowest totals in Panthers history for a quarterback with 25 or more pass attempts. hence Panthers Bench Bryce Young.
Young’s 2023 season stats are disheartening: three interceptions, no touchdowns, and an average of 4 or fewer yards per dropback over his last four starts, a troubling metric for any starting QB. With a record of 2-16 as a starter, questions are now surfacing about Young’s future role and the Panthers’ decision to trade up for him in the 2023 draft, especially considering the significant assets they gave up, including wide receiver DJ Moore and four high draft picks.
Why Andy Dalton?
With Bryce Young struggling, the Panthers are turning to veteran quarterback Andy Dalton, a player with extensive NFL experience. Dalton, 36, brings a wealth of leadership and stability to the table, having played as a starter for multiple teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals, where he spent the first nine seasons of his career. Dalton’s overall career record as a starter is 83-78-2, and he has thrown 246 touchdown passes and 144 interceptions since entering the league in 2011.
Dalton’s last start for the Panthers came in Week 3 of the 2023 season while Young was sidelined due to an ankle injury. In that game, Dalton put up an impressive performance, throwing for 361 yards and two touchdowns despite the team’s eventual loss. His ability to deliver solid numbers makes him the best option for the Panthers as they look to reverse their fortunes against the Raiders.
Canales Takes Responsibility for the Move
After initially confirming that Young would remain the starter following the Chargers game, Canales reversed course after reviewing game footage. “I looked at it, had a thought, and started talking to the guys that we make decisions with,” Canales said. “Certainly a lot of parties involved there, and ultimately this comes on me. My No. 1 responsibility is to help the Panthers win, and this move puts us in the best chance to do that.”
The Panthers have been outscored 72-13 in their first two games, leading to growing concerns about the team’s ability to compete this season. The decision to bring in Dalton reflects a desperate need to improve offensively and get their first win of the season.
What’s Next for Bryce Young?
For now, Bryce Young will serve as the backup to Andy Dalton against the Raiders. Despite his struggles, Young is still seen as the future of the franchise. The Panthers traded significant assets to acquire him, and it’s clear that his development remains a priority for the team. However, the move to bench him, even temporarily, could be viewed as a wake-up call and an opportunity for Young to reset and learn from the sidelines.
Canales acknowledged that this decision wasn’t easy, but emphasized that it was made in the best interest of the team’s immediate future. “This move is about what’s best for the Panthers right now. Bryce will continue to develop, but Andy gives us the best chance moving forward,” Canales reiterated.
Panthers’ Path Forward
As the Panthers prepare for their game against the Raiders, all eyes will be on Dalton. While he may not represent a long-term solution, his experience and leadership could be the catalyst the team needs to stop their early-season slide. Dalton’s ability to guide the offense, coupled with the Panthers’ defense, which has shown promise, may be the formula for Carolina’s first victory of the 2024 season.
For Bryce Young, this is a moment of reflection and growth. The future remains bright for the young quarterback, but it’s clear that the transition to the NFL has been tougher than expected. How he responds to this setback will be crucial for his development and for the Panthers’ long-term success.
FAQs
1. Why did the Panthers bench Bryce Young?
Bryce Young was benched after struggling in his first two starts of the season, including a historically bad performance against the Chargers, where he threw for only 84 yards.
2. Who is starting in place of Bryce Young?
Veteran quarterback Andy Dalton will be the starter against the Las Vegas Raiders. Dalton brings experience and leadership to the role, which the Panthers believe will improve their chances of winning.
3. What are Bryce Young’s stats this season?
In his first two games of the 2024 season, Young has thrown for no touchdowns, three interceptions, and averaged fewer than 4 yards per dropback in four straight starts.
4. Is Bryce Young still the Panthers’ quarterback of the future?
Yes, despite being benched, Bryce Young remains a key part of the Panthers’ long-term plans. The move to start Andy Dalton is seen as a temporary adjustment to help the team win now.
5. What is Andy Dalton’s career record?
Andy Dalton has a career record of 83-78-2 as a starter in the NFL, with 246 touchdown passes and 144 interceptions since entering the league in 2011.
