Why are the Panthers benching Bryce Young? Exploring potential reasons behind Carolina's decision

New York Jets v Carolina Panthers - Source: Getty
Bryce Young during New York Jets v Carolina Panthers - Source: Getty

The Bryce Young-era in Carolina isn't off to a good start. Following the Panthers' 26-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2, the Panthers and coach Dave Canales are reportedly benching Young in Week 3.

The Panthers will start veteran quarterback Andy Dalton this Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, as per Tom Pelissero.

Thr 2023 No. 1 overall pick has struggled with the Panthers. Young played the full 2023 season as Carolina's starting quarterback. He finished the season with a 2-15 record, throwing for 2,877 yards, 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He added 253 rushing yards on the ground.

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Canales repeatedly said that Young was the team's quarterback this offseasom despite a struggling rookie season. After a tumultuous 2023 season, Canales was hoping for quicker success in 2024.

With Bryce Young struggling in his first two games of the 2024 season, (0-2 record, 55.3 completion percentage, 245 passing yards, zero throwdowns, three interceptions) Canales decided to go with the veteran backup to help spark something for Carolina.

Why are the Carolina Panthers quickly benching their 2023 No. 1 overall pick in Bryce Young?

NFL: SEP 15 Chargers at Panthers - Source: Getty
NFL: SEP 15 Chargers at Panthers - Source: Getty

It isn't often you see a team bench its young quarterback who is one season removed from being the No. 1 overall pick. Younger quarterbacks, such as rookies and second-year quarterbacks sometimes tend to struggle early on in their career.

Young joined a very talent-less Carolina Panthers team last season and dealth with a head coaching change this offseason. Still, the Panthers haven't found success on the field.

The Panthers are allegedly benching Young because his play hasn't improved. While having one of the worst offensive lines in the league and an offense with not many playmakers can be tough, Young still not throwing a touchdown through two games is a cause for concern. Young failed to throw over 100 yards in the team's 26-3 loss to the LA Chargers on Sunday.

With Canales in his first season as the team's coach, he realizes wins are important, and at the time, the team might be better off with Andy Dalton. Canales didn't draft Young, so he's more likely to bench him than he would have if he had drafted him.

The Panthers could also hope to motivate Young by benching him, igniting a potential fire to push him to do better.

Dalton will get the call this week, and will start for the Panthers this Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. Bryce Young will serve as his backup.

Bryce Young was surprised after the decision made by the team only two games into the season, per Jordan Schultz.

It came out of nowhere - Bryce Young

Panthers Nation! Check out the latest Carolina Panthers Schedule and dive into the Panthers Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.

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Edited by Rajdeep Barman
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