The Carolina Panthers have made a surprising and bold move early in the 2024 NFL season by benching Bryce Young, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick, after just two games. The decision comes on the heels of an 0-2 start, and it sees Young now sitting behind veteran quarterback Andy Dalton on the depth chart.
A Rocky Start
The Panthers opened their season with consecutive losses, a performance that evidently prompted the coaching staff to rethink their strategy. Young, who was expected to be the franchise player, struggled in these initial matches. In the face of mounting pressure, the young quarterback found himself under scrutiny.
"Not something I was necessarily expecting," Young said candidly. "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."
Support from Within and Beyond
Despite the benching, Young has found support both within the team and from notable figures outside the organization. Several Panthers players have shown their backing for Young, especially after their Week 2 loss to the Chargers. Star basketball player LeBron James lent his significant support, offering words of encouragement to the young quarterback on social media, stating that the benching "ain't on you."
Young, who possesses a mature and measured demeanor beyond his years, has taken responsibility for the team's performance. "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," he admitted.
Efforts on the Ground
The Panthers' offensive strategy in the first two games seemed to center around their ground game, with the team running the ball 38 times. In contrast, their opponents amassed 81 rushing attempts in these games, showcasing a glaring disparity and perhaps highlighting a need for stronger defensive efforts.
The Road Ahead
Head Coach Dave Canales now faces the critical task of steering the Panthers through this challenging period. With the upcoming games deemed crucial for the team’s prospects this season, Canales' approach and the performance of his chosen quarterback will be under intense scrutiny.
Young remains optimistic and focused on contributing to the team in any way possible. "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 stated.
With a positive attitude and the backing of teammates and fans alike, Bryce Young's future with the Carolina Panthers remains an open book. The narrative could still turn in his favor as he navigates the early turbulence of his NFL career. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how both Young and the Panthers adapt and respond to these early setbacks. The journey ahead is paved with uncertainty, but also with potential and hope, as the team and its young quarterback strive to find their footing.