With the new NFL season just two weeks away, the Carolina Panthers have made a stunning decision by benching former No. 1 overall draft pick Bryce Young and elevating veteran Andy Dalton to the starting quarterback position as of Monday.
The Panthers, currently sitting at 0-2, have managed to score a mere 13 total points in their first two games under new head coach Dave Canales. In Sunday’s 26-3 home loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, Young struggled mightily, throwing for just 84 yards on 26 passing attempts and also tossing an interception.
Young, only 23, has now become the third player in the last 20 seasons to average 4 yards or less per pass in four consecutive starts, according to ESPN. This season, he hasn’t notched a touchdown and has thrown three interceptions over two games.
Post-game, Canales initially declared that Young would remain the starter for Week 3 against the 1-1 Las Vegas Raiders. However, within less than 24 hours, he reversed course.
"I just owe it to all the guys, the coaches, the staff, the players, everyone involved to be really critical of what we’re filming, what I’m seeing, and to make sure that I’m consistently making the best decision for the team every week," Canales explained.
"And it happens to be the quarterback position and that’s why it’s loaded like that, but it’s every position and it’s all the guys. And I was able to stand in front of the team and challenge all the guys that we have to step up our passion for what we do, play the game."
Canales highlighted that several parties were involved in the discussion, though he did not specify how much input team owner David Tepper had in the decision.
"Ultimately, it falls on me," Canales stated confidently. "My primary responsibility is to help the Panthers win. I think this decision puts us in the best position to do that this week."
Andy Dalton, an experienced signal-caller, has had starting gigs with the Dallas Cowboys (2020), Chicago Bears (2021), New Orleans Saints (2022), and even one start with the Panthers this year.
"I’m very excited about what’s ahead," Dalton shared with reporters. "I’ve been on both sides of it. It’s tough for everybody, but I’m excited about what’s ahead."
In a bold and unexpected move, the Panthers are out to shake things up in their quest for that elusive victory. Every decision counts, and all eyes will be on the Carolina Panthers as they adapt and fight to turn their season around.
