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Sport in Seriousness
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales announced that quarterback Bryce Young will be benched after another lackluster performance during the team’s 26-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2.
Canales told reporters he decided to demote Young in favor of veteran quarterback Andy Dalton after watching footage of the Panthers’ loss.
In Carolina’s home opener in Week 2, Young had just 84 passing yards, the fourth-fewest in team history for a quarterback with at least 25 passing attempts. The Panthers had four consecutive three-and-outs to start the game and didn’t get a first down until the second quarter.
The 0-2 Panthers were booed several times by the home fans at Bank of America Stadium during the loss.
Young’s substitution is another low point for the quarterback, who has had a frustrating start to his NFL career. His substitution comes at a time when he has an abysmal 44.1 passer rating this season and a career record as a starter of 2-16.
“I owe it to all the guys, the coaches, the staff, the players, everyone involved to be really critical of what we’re filming and what I’m seeing,” Canales said. “To make sure I’m making the best decision for the team every week, and that happens to be the quarterback position.”
USA TODAY Sports explores what’s next for the Panthers and Young:
Short-term solution: Andy Dalton
Dalton takes over a Panthers team that is 0-2 for the second time in as many seasons. The 36-year-old signal caller is a veteran player, but still a quarterback without much experience at this point in his career.
The 14-year veteran will likely serve as a bridge between Carolina’s next quarterback and a possible return of Young to the starting lineup.
“I just know Andy gives us the best chance to win right now. His resume speaks for itself,” Canales said Monday. “He’s an experienced player. He’s got a lot of football in his history. So I’m happy for Andy and I think he gives us the best chance to win this week.”
The longtime Bengals quarterback spent his first nine NFL seasons in Cincinnati. He also played for the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints. In 170 games (163 starts) he recorded 38,511 passing yards, 246 touchdowns and 144 interceptions.
What’s next for Bryce Young?
Young’s performance over the last two weeks suggests that the quarterback has lost confidence. He has a passing percentage of 55.4%, no touchdowns and three interceptions. He has averaged just 122 passing yards.
Young’s numbers show that he has deteriorated from a below-average rookie season in which he had a 59.8% completion percentage, 11 touchdowns, 10 interceptions and averaged 179 passing yards per game.
Canales said there were “many factors” that went into the decision to bench Young. But Young’s substitution was justified. The quarterback has trouble reading the defense and looks overwhelmed.
The demotion could motivate Young. He has the opportunity to learn under an experienced quarterback like Dalton and slowly regain his confidence.
However, Young’s substitution raises questions about his future in Carolina. Will Young return later this season? Will he sit out the rest of the year? Or will Young seek a fresh start elsewhere?
In addition, concerns remain about Young’s height of 5’10” and slight build.
What’s next for the Panthers?
Canales declined to answer questions about Young’s future playing status or the quarterback’s future in Carolina. The coach said the team is “focused on the Las Vegas Raiders” in Week 3.
“Right now, we’re focused on this week. We’re focused on getting Andy ready for the game against the Raiders, and then we’re just going to take it that way,” Canales said. “We’re going to attack the Raiders. We’re going to attack this week and get that mentality and the things that we’re looking for.”
The Panthers mortgaged their future when they traded two first-round picks, two second-round picks and standout wide receiver DJ Moore to the Chicago Bears in order to go first in the 2023 NFL Draft and select Young.
Young has started 18 games for Carolina in his career. Is that a large enough sample size to move on from quarterback?
Canales, a first-year coach, and his new general manager Dan Morgan inherited Young, so they are not tied to the second-year quarterback. The Panthers are targeting a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The organization could decide to part ways with Young and select a QB in the upcoming draft.
Young’s rookie contract runs through the 2026 season. The Panthers also have the option to give Young a fifth-year option, which would give the QB an additional year, but a fifth-year option seems unlikely at this point in his career.
Maybe it’s best for both parties to go in different directions.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
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