After only two games into the 2024 NFL season, the Carolina Panthers have decided to bench their top pick from the 2023 draft, Bryce Young. The team has struggled to find its footing, starting with an 0-2 record, prompting head coach Dave Canales to make the bold decision to place the rookie quarterback behind veteran Andy Dalton on the depth chart.
“Not something I was necessarily expecting. Obviously, not something that was great to hear, but I respect Coach [Dave] Canales, I respect the organization,” Young said, addressing the decision. “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.”
The Panthers' offensive strategy in the initial games has leaned heavily on the ground game, with 38 rushing attempts across their first two games. However, their opponents have outpaced them significantly, tallying a combined 81 rushing attempts. This disparity has exposed some of the Panthers' defensive vulnerabilities, adding to the pressure on their young quarterback.
A Rocky Start for the Top Pick
Bryce Young, who came into the league with high expectations as the No. 1 overall pick, has faced a tough initiation. With the team failing to secure a win in the opening games, scrutiny inevitably fell on the rookie quarterback. Young, known for his poise, has maintained a strong accountability mindset. "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 candidly admitted.
Support from Teammates and Legends
In the wake of the benching, Young has received a flood of support from his teammates and even beyond the NFL sphere. Several Panthers players openly showed their backing for Young after the Week 2 defeat to the Chargers, insisting that the team's struggles were not solely on him.
Adding a heavyweight endorsement, NBA superstar LeBron James took to social media to offer words of encouragement, stating that the benching "ain't on you." Such support underscores the recognition of Young's potential and the collective belief in his future contributions to the team.
The Road Ahead
Despite the challenging start, Young remains focused and optimistic about his role and future. "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 expressed with characteristic composure.
Head coach Dave Canales, meanwhile, faces a pivotal period ahead. The next set of games are deemed crucial for the Panthers, both for the standings and for building team morale. Enhancing the defensive strategy and finding the right balance on offense will be key to improving their win-loss record.
The Panthers' decision to bench Bryce Young so early in his career marks a significant twist in the team's early season narrative. However, with the support of his teammates, the backing of sports legends, and his resolute mindset, Young remains a vital asset for the Carolina Panthers. It will be intriguing to see how the team navigates this chapter and how Young evolves in response to these early career challenges.