The Carolina Panthers have made a bold decision to bench their 2023 No. 1 overall pick, Bryce Young, after just two games in the 2024 NFL season. This early move comes on the heels of the team's 0-2 start, causing a seismic shift in the team's lineup with veteran Andy Dalton now stepping in as the starting quarterback.
Young's initial games have been turbulent, with the team struggling to find its rhythm both offensively and defensively. The Panthers' offense leaned heavily on their running game, recording a total of 38 rushing attempts across the first two matchups. However, their opponents outmatched them on the ground with a combined 81 rushing attempts, underscoring the challenges Carolina faces on both sides of the ball.
Bryce Young's Reaction
The decision to bench Young was met with mixed emotions from the rookie quarterback. "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," Young stated. Despite the setback, his commitment to the team remains unwavering. "Right now, that's the situation that it is. I have to do everything to help the team whatever way I can."
Young also took accountability for the team's early struggles, reflecting on his own 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."
Support from the Team and Beyond
The benching of Young elicited a wave of support from teammates and even big names from other sports. Several Panthers players rallied around the young quarterback following the Week 2 loss to the Chargers, showing solidarity and encouragement.
LeBron James, an icon in the world of basketball, also extended his support to Young through social media. The Lakers star emphasized that the decision "ain't on you," providing a morale boost for the embattled quarterback.
Leadership and Future Aspirations
Panthers' head coach Dave Canales is steering the team through this difficult period, focusing on both immediate improvements and long-term development. The upcoming games are seen as crucial by the organization, and it's clear that every player, including Young, has a role to play.
Young's perspective on this transition is mature and forward-focused. "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 explained.
It remains to be seen how these changes will impact the Panthers' trajectory this season. With Dalton's wealth of experience now leading the charge and Young's ongoing development, the organization and its fans await to see if these strategic moves will pay off. For Bryce Young, this moment serves as a pivotal chapter in his fledgling NFL career, one filled with challenges but also an undeniable spirit of resilience.