In a surprising twist early in the 2024 NFL season, the Carolina Panthers have decided to bench their young quarterback Bryce Young after just two games. Young, the 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick, finds himself behind veteran Andy Dalton on the Panthers' depth chart. This decision comes on the heels of the Panthers' challenging start to the season, where they've opened with an 0-2 record.
A Rocky Start
The Panthers' struggles in the first two games were notable, with opponents combining for an overwhelming 81 rushing attempts. Meanwhile, the Panthers' own ground game saw 38 rushes over the same period. These figures reflect significant issues on both sides of the ball, leading to their pair of early losses. Bryce Young, who was heralded as the future of the franchise, did not meet the high expectations set for him, a reality he himself has acknowledged.
"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," Young said in response to the benching.
Facing the Pressure
In the wake of the tough start, several Panthers players have rallied around their embattled quarterback. Fresh off a Week 2 loss to the Chargers, many expressed their support for Young, a signal of camaraderie within the locker room during this turbulent time. Even NBA superstar LeBron James weighed in, offering words of encouragement on social media, stating that the benching "ain't on you."
Young's introspection and accountability have been apparent in his comments: "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."
Coach Canales' Role
Dave Canales, the head coach, faces a mounting challenge early in his tenure. Leading a team through the adversity of an 0-2 start, combined with the high expectations surrounding a top draft pick, adds a complex layer to his role. The upcoming games are critical, not just for the team's season but perhaps for the trajectory of the young quarterback's career.
Young maintains a positive outlook despite the difficult circumstances. "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.
Looking Ahead
The decision to place Young behind Andy Dalton may be a strategic move to allow the rookie time to recalibrate and learn without the immediate pressure of leading the offense in games. With Dalton's experience, the Panthers may hope to stabilize their performance and find a better rhythm on both offense and defense.
As the Carolina Panthers navigate through the early trials of the 2024 season, all eyes will be on how the team, and particularly Bryce Young, responds to the adversity they face. Whether this benching serves as a temporary setback or a turning point for Young’s career remains to be seen, but his and the team’s actions in the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the narrative moving forward.