The Carolina Panthers made a bold decision early in the 2024 NFL season by benching Bryce Young, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick, after just two games. The move came after the Panthers stumbled to an 0-2 start, leading head coach Dave Canales to shake up the lineup in hopes of igniting the team’s performance.
A Rough Start for Bryce Young
Despite the high expectations that come with being a top draft pick, Bryce Young struggled to find his footing in his initial outings. The Panthers leaned heavily on their run game, with 38 rushing attempts in their first two games. However, it was not enough to offset the challenges they faced, as their opponents racked up a combined 81 rushing attempts against them, taking control of the tempo and the games themselves.
The young quarterback acknowledged the difficulties he faced right from the beginning. "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," Young said. "Right now, that's the situation that it is. I have to do everything to help the team whatever way I can."
Support from Teammates and Beyond
Following the Panthers' Week 2 loss to the Chargers, several teammates rallied behind Young, showing a united front amid the adversity. Veteran voices in the locker room have made it clear that they believe in his potential and leadership. Even NBA superstar LeBron James offered words of encouragement on social media, stating that Young’s benching "ain't on you," a sentiment that stresses the collaborative effort required in team sports.
Young has taken full accountability for his performances, showing maturity well beyond his years. "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 reflected.
Andy Dalton Steps In
With Young now behind veteran quarterback Andy Dalton on the depth chart, the Panthers hope to leverage Dalton’s experience to turn their season around. Dalton, having navigated various stages of his own career, understands the pressures and demands of stepping into the starting role under less-than-ideal circumstances.
For Bryce Young, the adjustment has not diminished his focus or dedication. "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 emphasized.
Leadership in Transition
Head Coach Dave Canales now faces the challenge of steadying the ship and galvanizing his squad as they head into a crucial stretch of their schedule. Canales’ leadership will be critical as the team navigates this transitional period. His confidence in Dalton and the support for Young from both the team and external figures like LeBron James underscore a shared responsibility to right the course.
The next few games are pivotal for the Panthers, providing not just an opportunity for them to improve their record, but also for Young to continue developing and adapting to the professional level. The organization’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment could play a vital role in Young’s growth and the overall team's success this season.