The Carolina Panthers have made a significant and unexpected change early in the 2024 NFL season by benching their 2023 No. 1 overall pick, Bryce Young, after just two games. The decision comes as the team grapples with an 0-2 start to the season under the leadership of head coach Dave Canales.
Young, who many had high hopes for after his top selection in the draft, now finds himself behind veteran quarterback Andy Dalton on the depth chart. Reflecting on the change, Young remarked, "Not something I was necessarily expecting. Obviously, not something that was great to hear, but I respect Coach 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."
In their first two outings, the Panthers leaned heavily on their running game, with 38 rushing attempts recorded. However, their opponents have managed to dominate the ground game even more thoroughly, combining for 81 rushing attempts. These statistics paint a picture of a team struggling to find its rhythm on both sides of the ball.
Young, though faced with setbacks, has taken a reflective and accountable stance on his 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," Young admitted. "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."
Despite the demotion, there has been an outpouring of support for Young from both within and outside the organization. Several Panthers players rallied around their embattled quarterback following their Week 2 loss to the Chargers. Additionally, NBA star LeBron James offered words of encouragement, stating on social media that the benching "ain't on you."
Undoubtedly, the next games for the Panthers are crucial, as they seek to turn around their early-season woes. Head coach Canales is tasked with steering the team through this turbulent period, a challenge that will test his leadership and strategic acumen.
Young remains committed to contributing however he can, emphasizing his day-by-day approach and unwavering focus on the team. "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," Young shared.
The benching of a No. 1 overall pick is rare and brings with it intense scrutiny and questions about the future trajectory of both the player and the team. As the Panthers move forward, the performance of Andy Dalton and the response of the team will be closely watched. For Young, this moment serves as a critical juncture in his nascent career, one that could shape his path in the NFL for years to come.
As the season progresses, the resilience and adaptability of the Panthers, as well as Bryce Young's development and readiness to seize future opportunities, will define whether the early turbulence yields growth and success.