Panthers Bench Bryce Young After Just Two Games: What's Next?
The Carolina Panthers have opted to bench quarterback Bryce Young after just two games into the 2024 NFL season, a startling turn of events for the 2023 No. 1 overall pick. The team started the season with an 0-2 record, which prompted head coach Dave Canales to make the hard decision to replace Young with veteran quarterback Andy Dalton on the depth chart.
Struggles on the Field
The Panthers' initial struggles were not solely on Young's shoulders. Over the first two games, the Panthers ran the ball 38 times while their opponents combined for an imposing 81 rushing attempts against them. In those games, the Panthers failed to find their rhythm, leaving Young to shoulder much of the blame.
"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," said Young, reflecting on his unexpected benching.
Support From All Sides
In the wake of the decision, several Panthers players showed their support for the young quarterback, a gesture that underscores the unity within the team. Adding to this, NBA superstar LeBron James lent his voice of encouragement to Young on social media, stating that the benching "ain't on you."
Young, a beacon of resilience, took full responsibility for his performances. "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."
Looking Forward
Head coach Dave Canales, in his first season leading the Panthers, now faces the challenging task of rallying his team through this period. The next few games are crucial for the Panthers, and the team will need to put up a stronger front to turn their season around.
Despite the setback, Young's mindset remains unwavering. "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," said Young, exemplifying his dedication to the team and its success.
As the Panthers look to navigate through these turbulent times, the mutual respect among players and the support from the broader sports community suggest that Young's story is far from over. Whether reclaiming his spot or contributing from the sidelines, Bryce Young's journey will be one to watch as the season unfolds.