Panthers Bench Bryce Young After Two Games: A Decision Awash with Controversy and Support
After just two games into the 2024 NFL season, the Carolina Panthers have made the surprising decision to bench their 2023 No. 1 overall pick, Bryce Young. The franchise, which has started the season with an 0-2 record, has placed Young behind veteran quarterback Andy Dalton on the depth chart. This move has sparked discussions among fans and pundits alike, questioning the young QB's future with the team and the direction the franchise is heading.
The Panthers' rocky start can be partly attributed to their struggles in the running game. In the first two games, the team ran the ball 38 times while their opponents combined for a staggering 81 rushing attempts. This imbalance has placed tremendous pressure on the rookie quarterback, contributing to the decision made by the team's coaching staff led by head coach Dave Canales.
In response to his benching, Bryce Young expressed a mixture of disappointment and respect for the decision. "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," Young commented.
While the young quarterback's performance hasn't met expectations, Young didn't shy away from taking responsibility. "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. This level of introspection and accountability from the rookie shows his maturity and potential for growth in the league.
Support for Bryce Young
Despite the setback, support for Bryce Young has come from various quarters. LeBron James, an icon in the world of sports, took to social media to offer words of encouragement, stating that the benching "ain't on you." This public endorsement from such a high-profile athlete may provide a morale boost for the rookie as he navigates this challenging period in his young career.
Additionally, several Panthers players have rallied around Young, showing their support after their Week 2 loss to the Chargers. This camaraderie within the team could be vital as they look to turn their season around and regain their footing in the competitive landscape of the NFL.
Looking Forward
For head coach Dave Canales, the next few games are crucial. The decision to bench Bryce Young and start Andy Dalton is a clear signal of the urgency within the organization to secure wins and build momentum. The Panthers are at a critical juncture, and how they respond will likely define their season.
Bryce Young, for his part, remains 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, reflecting his determination and team-first mindset.
The narrative of Bryce Young's journey in the NFL is still being written. His early benching may be just a chapter in a longer, more successful story. As the Panthers navigate this tumultuous period, the focus will be on how the team performs moving forward and how Young develops and learns from this experience.