In a surprising turn of events, the Carolina Panthers made the decision to bench Bryce Young after just two games in the 2024 NFL season. The 2023 No. 1 overall pick finds himself in unfamiliar territory, now relegated behind veteran Andy Dalton on the depth chart. This move comes on the heels of the Panthers' dismal 0-2 start to the season.
Struggles on the Field
In the two games where he started, Bryce Young faced significant challenges. Despite numerous opportunities, the Panthers were unable to capitalize effectively on their drives. Young addressed his performance candidly, saying, "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."
Run-heavy strategies also played a role in the Panthers' early struggles. The team ran the ball 38 times during the initial two games, while their opponents combined for an overwhelming 81 rushing attempts against them. This stark contrast highlights a possible area of concern for the Panthers' coaching staff and defensive unit.
Support from the Community
Despite the early benching, support for Bryce Young has been robust. LeBron James, one of the most influential athletes of our time, took to social media to offer words of encouragement, assuring Young that the benching "ain't on you." Additionally, several Panthers players rallied around their young quarterback, showing solidarity after their Week 2 loss to the Chargers.
Focusing on Team and Future
Head coach Dave Canales faces the formidable task of steering the team back on course amid these early challenges. For Young, the benching is an unexpected hurdle, but his maturity and resolve are evident in his response. "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," he stated.
Young's outlook remains positive and team-focused. "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 added.
Pressure on Upcoming Games
With Young now backing up Dalton, the Panthers understand the critical nature of their upcoming games. The organization, the players, and the fans will be watching closely to see how this decision impacts team performance.
Coach Canales' leadership and the team's response will be crucial in navigating these turbulent early-season waters. For young players like Bryce Young, this episode serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional sports and the continuous journey towards growth and resilience.