The Carolina Panthers made a surprising move early in the 2024 NFL season, benching Bryce Young, their highly anticipated 2023 No. 1 overall pick, after just two games. With an 0-2 record to start the season, head coach Dave Canales and the Panthers' organization decided to place Young behind veteran quarterback Andy Dalton on the depth chart.
A Tumultuous Start
The Panthers’ struggles were on full display in the first two games. Despite running the ball 38 times, they couldn't secure a win. Moreover, their defense allowed opponents to combine for 81 rushing attempts, highlighting issues on both sides of the ball. These stats underscored the challenges the team faced, leading to the drastic decision to bench their young quarterback.
Bryce Young’s Response
Young himself expressed mixed emotions about the benching. “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.” This statement reflects both his disappointment and professionalism, as he looks to support his team from the sidelines.
Taking accountability for the team’s rough start, Young added, “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.” These words echo a young player confronting the high expectations and pressures of leading an NFL team.
Support from Teammates and LeBron James
While the decision to bench Young could have been a divisive moment, it instead displayed a unified front. Several Panthers players took to social media to show support for their young quarterback after their Week 2 loss to the Chargers. This camaraderie within the team could prove crucial as they navigate through the challenging season ahead.
Additionally, NBA superstar LeBron James reached out to Bryce Young, offering words of encouragement on social media. James, no stranger to the pressures of being a top pick and a young leader, reassured Young that the benching “ain’t on you.” LeBron’s support highlighted the broader sports community's recognition of the challenges Bryce Young faces.
Leadership and the Road Ahead
Head coach Dave Canales now has the daunting task of steering the Panthers through these turbulent times. The next few games are considered crucial for the team, and how they respond could define their season. Canales’ leadership and the team's ability to rally together will be under intense scrutiny.
For his part, Bryce Young remains focused on his contributions to the team, saying, “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.”
As the Panthers move forward with Andy Dalton under center, all eyes will be on how the offense adapts and whether this change can provide the spark needed to turn their season around. For Bryce Young, this benching might just be a temporary setback in what promises to be a long and storied NFL career.