The Carolina Panthers have seen enough of quarterback Bryce Young and, probably, their fans have as well. Young was officially removed from his starting role on Monday, replaced by veteran QB Andy Dalton. Panthers head coach Dave Canales made the announcement during a meeting with media members.
Young was the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. But his play while leading the Carolina offense has not been good at all. The Panthers also paid what has become a heavy price for getting that pick from the Chicago Bears.
Carolina Panthers Now Turn To Andy Dalton
Let’s take a look at what the Carolina Panthers did to get Young. They sent wide receiver D.J. Moore, along with four draft picks, to the Chicago Bears. One of those draft picks ended up being the 2024 NFL Draft No. 1 overall pick USC quarterback Caleb Williams from USC…for Chicago.
All Young did last season was lead the Panthers to an NFL-worst 2-15 record. He was 0-2 so far this season and his play was trending downward. Overall, Young is 2-16 as a starting quarterback. Carolina’s call makes Young the first QB picked No. 1 overall in the common NFL Draft era to be benched after two games for non-injury reasons, The Associated Press reported.
Look at Young’s statistics, too. In two games, he’s completed 31-of-56 passes for 244 yards and three interceptions. Young also has run for one touchdown, the only TD that the Carolina Panthers have scored on offense. The Panthers have been outscored 73-13 in their two games this season against the Los Angeles Chargers and New Orleans Saints.
For much of his NFL playing time, Young hasn’t shown much poise. Carolina fans mercilessly booed Young on Sunday. He’s just not looked good, often throwing into double coverage and making poor in-game decisions. After Sunday’s loss to the Chargers, Young looked toward his faith in God for strength at this time.
“I draw my confidence from the Lord,” he said. “I’m very blessed. I’m grateful for this challenge. Not an ideal start, but God does everything for a reason. I have faith in that.
“You always want to make a play. You want to do something,” Young said. “Obviously, part of the position is being the game manager. Some bad instances of that on film today. I definitely take accountability for that.”
Dalton is Not A Newcomer to NFL Games
Dalton, meanwhile, is a grizzled veteran of the NFL wars. He’s spent time as a starter with the Cincinnati Bengals. Now, Dalton comes into a role that calls for him to show that veteran leadership on a Carolina Panthers team that desperately needs it. Over his career, Dalton is 83-78-2 as a starting quarterback. He started one game last season for the Panthers. Dalton has 246 touchdown passes and 144 interceptions in his career.
According to an NFL.com report, Canales, in his media session, said that it was his decision to bench Young. He also said that he made this move to Dalton because “Andy gives us our best chance to win this week.”
“Hate to sound like a broken record, I owe it to all the guys … everybody involved to be really critical about what we put on film and what I’m seeing,” Canales said, “and to make sure that I’m constantly making the best decision for the team, every week.”
Panthers Head Coach Dave Canales 24 hours ago: “Bryce is our Quarterback”
Today: Bryce Young benched for Andy Dalton
pic.twitter.com/poOFN4gCHy— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 16, 2024
What might have startled some Carolina Panthers reporters about Monday’s decision was that Canales said after Sunday’s loss that Young was still his starting quarterback. No less than 24 hours later, Canales was singing a different tune. When asked what changed, Canales simply implied that the game film gave him all the answers he needed.
Making this move now also might give Young simply a chance to catch his breath on the sidelines during a game. No pressure on him at this time. Give him a chance to watch and observe Dalton’s play in live game action. Yet there’s no doubt Carolina Panthers fans wanted to see more out of Young on the field. Carolina owner David Tepper has not been looked upon favorably by his team’s fans, either.
So, Carolina will try and right itself this weekend when it plays the Los Angeles Raiders.
For More Great Content
Are you desiring top-tier content that covers everything? From thrilling sports and intoxicating entertainment news to gaming tips and professional betting advice, Total Apex covers it all. Delve into our no-fluff articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the latest scoops in the gaming industry that will take your experiences to the next level.
Finally, our betting advice will give you a decisive edge over the competition and increase your odds of beating the books. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, Total Apex is your one-stop shop for all things compelling and relevant. Don’t forget we cover Fantasy Sports, too!
Check out all our sites: Total Apex Sports, Total Apex Fantasy Sports, Total Apex Entertainment, Total Apex Sports Bets, and Total Apex Gaming. Out of the ashes of obscurity will rise a beast. Always remember to Respect The Hustle! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports to stay informed.
