The Carolina Panthers have made a surprising decision early in the 2024 NFL season, benching their 2023 No. 1 overall pick, Bryce Young, after just two games. The team, starting their season with an 0-2 record, has decided to place the rookie quarterback behind the veteran Andy Dalton on the depth chart.
A Rocky Start
Struggling to find their footing, the Panthers faced early adversity with two consecutive losses. Despite Young's high expectations coming into the season, the team opted for a change after he shouldered the responsibility for their rocky start. "At the end of the day," said Young, "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."
In their first two games, the Panthers focused heavily on their rushing game, attempting 38 running plays. However, opponents aggressively countered, running the ball 81 times over the same span. This lopsided statistic underscores the struggles on both sides of the ball and likely contributed to the coaching staff's tough decision to bench Young.
Team and Community Support
Despite the setback, Young remains undeterred and grateful for the opportunity. "Not something I was necessarily expecting. Obviously, not something that was great to hear, but I respect Coach [Dave] Canales, I respect the organization," Young remarked. "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 from within the team and the broader sports community has been forthcoming. Several Panthers players have publicly backed Young, showing their support on social media and in post-game discussions. Moreover, NBA superstar LeBron James also offered words of encouragement, stating that the benching "ain't on you."
Leadership in Challenging Times
Leading the Panthers through this challenging period is Head Coach Dave Canales. The decision to bench Young seems to be part of an effort to stabilize the team and reassess their strategy moving forward. With crucial games on the horizon, the Panthers' leadership is striving to find the right balance to secure victories and boost team morale.
Young's demeanor remains focused and positive. "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 expressed.
Looking Forward
The coming weeks will be pivotal for the Panthers as they seek to turn around their season. The integration of Andy Dalton into the starting lineup marks a notable shift, and the effectiveness of this change will be closely monitored by both fans and analysts. With the locker room's support and leadership backing, Bryce Young remains an integral part of the team's future plans, even if his immediate role has shifted.
As the Panthers navigate this early-season turbulence, the organization, coaching staff, and players alike are collectively working towards finding their rhythm and securing their first win. Whether the decision to bench Young will pay off remains to be seen, but the young quarterback's resilience and the team's compact unity offer a promising foundation to build upon.