The Carolina Panthers made a significant decision early in the 2024 NFL season by benching Bryce Young, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick, after just two games. This move came as a surprise to many, considering the high expectations surrounding Young and the Panthers' investment in him.
The Panthers' season got off to a rocky start with an 0-2 record, prompting head coach Dave Canales to make the call to place Young behind veteran Andy Dalton on the depth chart. In those first two games, the Panthers leaned heavily on their running game, attempting 38 rushes. However, their opponents had even greater success on the ground, racking up a combined 81 rushing attempts against Carolina. This imbalance on both sides of the ball likely influenced the coaching staff's decision to make a change at quarterback.
Bryce Young addressed the benching candidly, acknowledging the disappointment but also showing respect for the coaches and the organization. "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 his brief stint as the starter, Young took responsibility for the team's lackluster 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. 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," he reflected.
Support for Young has not waned within the Panthers' locker room. Several players rallied around him after their Week 2 loss to the Chargers, showing solidarity and belief in his potential. Moreover, the young quarterback received public support from one of the biggest names in sports, LeBron James. James offered words of encouragement on social media, stating that the benching "ain't on you."
Young's faith remains unwavering amid this challenging period. "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 remarked.
As the Panthers prepare for their upcoming games, this pivotal adjustment places added pressure on Andy Dalton to stabilize the offense and steer the team towards success. The organization, fans, and teammates will be closely watching how the season unfolds and whether this early shake-up can ignite a turnaround for the struggling team.
Head coach Dave Canales, navigating his team through this early adversity, faces crucial decisions that could define the Panthers' season. The support within the organization for their quarterbacks, young and experienced alike, will be instrumental as they strive to find their footing.
In conclusion, while the benching of a top draft pick like Bryce Young is never ideal, it appears to be a strategic move aimed at sparking improved performance on the field. The Panthers remain committed to competing at a high level, and these early season challenges will either galvanize the team or set the tone for further introspection and adjustments.