The Carolina Panthers have made a significant move just two games into the 2024 NFL season, benching their 2023 No. 1 overall pick, Bryce Young. As the team navigates a rocky start with an 0-2 record, Young finds himself behind veteran quarterback Andy Dalton on the depth chart.
Early Season Struggles
The decision to bench Young comes after a challenging start to the season for the Panthers. In their first two games, the offense struggled to find its rhythm, and the team leaned heavily on the ground game with 38 rushing attempts. However, this strategy did not yield the desired results, as opponents combined for a hefty 81 rushing attempts against the Panthers, exposing potential weaknesses in the team’s defensive and offensive strategies.
Support Amidst Adversity
Despite the setback, Bryce Young has shown resilience and professionalism in his response. Speaking to the media, Young expressed his respect for head coach Dave Canales and the organization, acknowledging the decision while maintaining a positive outlook. "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 stated.
Young also took accountability for his performance, reflecting on his contributions during the games. "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."
Encouragement from Peers
Amid the turbulence, Young has received encouragement from some of sports' biggest names. NBA superstar LeBron James took to social media to offer words of support, emphasizing that the benching "ain't on you." Additionally, several Panthers players have rallied behind Young, showing their support after the Week 2 loss to the Chargers.
Young's gratitude for his teammates and the organization remains evident. "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 said.
A Crucial Time for the Panthers
Head coach Dave Canales now faces the challenge of steering the Panthers through this difficult period. The upcoming games are considered crucial for the team's hopes this season. Canales’ leadership and the team’s ability to adapt will be critical in determining their trajectory in the 2024 NFL season.
As Bryce Young steps back to a backup role, the focus shifts to how Andy Dalton will manage the offensive reins. Dalton’s experience could bring stability to the team, but the support and development of Young remain essential for the franchise's long-term vision. For now, all eyes are on how the Panthers respond to these early-season adjustments and whether they can turn their fortunes around.