Panthers Bet on Veteran QB Andy Dalton, While Bryce Young's Future Holds Promise
The Carolina Panthers have decided to shake things up at quarterback, at least for now. Rookie quarterback Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has been benched following the team's Week 2 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. While the benching might seem like a setback, it’s more of a timeout for Young to regroup and recharge. According to Panthers insiders, the move is intended to help him take a breath, slow down the game, and improve by watching from the sidelines.
Veteran Andy Dalton, who started against the Raiders in Week 3, is stepping in to guide the team. Dalton, a seasoned quarterback with 164 career starts, is expected to bring stability and experience to a Panthers offense that has struggled to find its footing this season. Head coach Dave Canales mentioned that starting Dalton was a tactical decision, saying it gave the Panthers the best chance to compete against the Raiders, a strong opponent.
Also Read:- Rory McIlroy Falls Short in BMW PGA Championship Playoff, but Stays Positive
- Malik Willis Shines as Packers Defeat Titans in 30-14 Victory
While it’s clear that Young’s development is a priority, the Panthers felt that everyone, including their top rookie, should be held accountable. Young had a rocky start to his NFL career, going 2-16 as a starter with more interceptions than touchdowns. His 59% completion rate and apparent hesitation on the field pointed to a quarterback still finding his way. Many observers noted that he seemed overwhelmed at times, holding onto the ball too long and second-guessing his decisions.
The belief within the organization, however, remains steadfast: Bryce Young is still their future. His time off the field is viewed as a necessary pause, not a permanent demotion. The Panthers are confident that this period will ultimately help him grow as a player, just as it has for other quarterbacks who needed time to adjust, such as Jordan Love, Sam Darnold, and even Baker Mayfield, who once started for Carolina.
There have been whispers about whether the Panthers might consider trading Young, as some teams are reportedly showing interest. But Canales was quick to shut down any trade talk, reaffirming that the Panthers have no plans to move their franchise QB. Instead, Young has embraced his new role, helping Dalton prepare for games and serving as the scout team quarterback. Dalton himself praised Young’s attitude, describing him as "awesome" in what is undoubtedly a tough situation.
For now, the Panthers are rallying behind Dalton, and he’s already made an impact. In the first half against the Raiders, Dalton threw three touchdowns, and the offense looked far more dynamic than it did in the first two games of the season. Dalton’s leadership is clearly helping the team move the ball and find the end zone—something they had struggled to do under Young.
While Dalton's veteran presence is a short-term solution, the Panthers remain invested in Bryce Young’s long-term potential. This temporary shift at quarterback is all part of Young’s development, and when he returns, the Panthers hope he’ll be better equipped to fulfill the promise they saw in him as the top pick in 2023.
Read More:
0 Comments