The start of the 2024 NFL season has not gone as planned for the Carolina Panthers and their prized quarterback, Bryce Young. Benched after just two games, the 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick now finds himself in an unexpected position, trailing veteran Andy Dalton on the depth chart.
The Panthers’ 0-2 record to open the season was the impetus for the change. The team's offense, under the guidance of head coach Dave Canales, has struggled to find its rhythm, and the decision to bench Young has been met with mixed reactions from fans and analysts alike. Canales faces the challenging task of balancing immediate performance demands with the long-term development of his young quarterback.
A Humble Response
Bryce Young, known for his poise and maturity, addressed the benching with grace. "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. His words reflect a young athlete dedicated to his team, regardless of his personal disappointment.
The Panthers’ struggles don't just start and end with Young. Despite running the ball 38 times in the first two games, the team's ground game hasn't been enough to counterbalance the struggles through the air. On the defensive side, opponents have combined for 81 rushing attempts, highlighting an area where the Panthers need to tighten up if they hope to turn their season around.
Support from Teammates and Legends
Following the Week 2 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, several Panthers players publicly supported their young quarterback. The solidarity within the locker room was palpable, showing that despite the early adversity, the team remains united. Further adding to Young's support system was NBA superstar LeBron James, who offered words of encouragement via social media, stating that the benching "ain't on you." James’ message underlines the respect Young commands across the sports world.
An introspective and self-aware Young took accountability for his performance, demonstrating a willingness to learn and grow. "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 acknowledged.
A Coach's Challenge
Head coach Dave Canales finds himself in a delicate situation. Leading a team through a rough patch while managing the development of a top draft pick is no small feat. The next games for the Panthers are critical, both for the season's trajectory and for Young's growth as an NFL quarterback.
Young seems to be taking his current predicament in stride, emphasizing a day-by-day approach to his career. "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.
As the Panthers look to stabilize their season, all eyes will be on their quarterback situation. Andy Dalton, with his wealth of experience, is now tasked with leading the team and potentially mentoring Young through this challenging period. The blend of Dalton’s veteran presence and Young’s raw talent could prove beneficial for the Panthers. However, the road ahead remains uncertain, and the next few games will undoubtedly be scrutinized by fans and analysts alike.
In the high-stakes world of the NFL, where fortunes can change in an instant, the Panthers' journey this season embodies the unforgiving nature of professional sports. Bryce Young, though momentarily set back, has shown the resilience and character to weather this storm—a silver lining for the Carolina faithful rooting for their young star.