The Carolina Panthers have made a decisive move early in the 2024 NFL season by benching Bryce Young, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick, after just two games. Despite the high expectations placed on him entering the season, the Panthers found themselves facing an uphill battle with an 0-2 record.
Early Struggles
Young's brief stint as a starter saw the Panthers struggling to gain traction. The team ran the ball 38 times in the first two games, but it wasn’t enough to counteract the overwhelming ground attack from their opponents, who combined for 81 rushing attempts. The imbalance in the running game underscored a larger issue in the team's game plan and execution, putting additional pressure on the rookie quarterback.
Following the disappointing start, head coach Dave Canales decided to place Young behind veteran Andy Dalton on the depth chart. This move symbolized more than just a shake-up in starting roles; it was indicative of the team's immediate need to correct course and pursue any measures necessary to turn the season around.
Young's Response
In the wake of his benching, Bryce Young displayed poise and accountability. "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."
He added, "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."
This level of maturity is crucial for Young's development and for maintaining the trust and support of his teammates and the coaching staff. Several Panthers players have already shown their support for the young quarterback, standing by him after their Week 2 loss to the Chargers. Additionally, NBA superstar LeBron James extended words of encouragement via social media, stating that the benching "ain't on you," further highlighting the widespread backing for Young.
Team Dynamics and Future Outlook
As Young steps back into a supporting role, the leadership mantle is being taken up by Andy Dalton, an experienced QB who can offer stability and a different perspective on the field. Meanwhile, Dave Canales navigates his role as head coach through this turbulent period, focusing on extracting the best possible performance from his roster.
The upcoming games are critical for the Panthers. The team must find ways to improve both offensively and defensively, balancing their play-calling and shoring up their defense to prevent opponents from dominating on the ground. Canales' strategy and decisions in the next few matchups may very well set the tone for the remainder of the season.
For Young, this moment represents a pivot in his young 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 remarked, showing a resilient and team-first mentality.
The Panthers organization, the fans, and Young himself are all looking ahead with a unified goal: to turn their fortunes around and realize the potential that so many saw when Young was drafted. Even in a challenging moment like this, the spirit of collaboration and support within the team can set the foundation for future success. With the right adjustments, the Panthers may yet navigate their way to a season that defies the early setbacks.