The Carolina Panthers have got off to a shocking start in the 2024 NFL season, losing both of their games by a big margin. Their starting quarterback, Bryce Young, has been benched as a result.
Young has a 2-16 record to start his career and now becomes the first QB to be selected No.1 overall in the common draft era to be placed on the bench for non-injury reasons. Since this move was announced by Panthers head coach Dave Canales, it has led to much discussion in NFL circles.
Some argue that Young has simply not lived up to his lofty draft billing, while others claim he walked into a dumpster fire of a team with no leadership and an organization that has completely failed him. The truth likely lies somewhere in between. With that said, where do Young and the Panthers go from here?
Panthers shocking start sees Young dropped
It has not just been two defeats from two for the Panthers, it has been two hammerings. They have been outscored 73-13 over the first two weeks, with the units on both sides of the ball looking sluggish. The only touchdown the team has scored came on a scramble by Young that was initially ruled a fumble. The 60-point differential is the worst by any NFL team in the opening two games since the 2019 season.
The numbers don’t get any better for Young and the team. The Panthers have converted two of 22 third-down opportunities, which is dead last in the NFL, and their efficiency rating is a terrible .70. Basically, look at any important metric in the NFL and Carolina do not fare well.
Ultimately, Canales has decided that, for the time being at least, putting back QB Andy Dalton in gives the team the best chance of winning. Don’t forget, the Panthers spent a lot of money in the offseason on the offensive line and skill position players to give Young a boost. So far, that looks like wasted money.
Where do Panthers & Young go from here?
The best case scenario for the Panther is that Dalton comes in and steadies the ship which would allow Young to take stock and have a reset taking reps in practice with less pressure. While there are no guarantees Young will come back in and look like a franchise QB, it’s possible.
One of the benefits of making this move so early is that they can always go back to him further down the line, and it takes him out of the firing line after a horrible two weeks. However, reports from NFL insiders state that those inside the Panthers building have been surprised by the move. While accepting a period of sustained poor play would likely see him benched, most have been taken aback that is has come after only two weeks.
Don’t forget what the Panthers gave up to get the No.1 pick and the chance to select Young. Carolina traded with the Chicago Bears to acquire the 2023 No.1 draft pick which included wide receiver DJ Moore and second round picks in 2023 and 2025.
When you consider all of that trade capital they have given up, surely they are willing to not give up and Young just yet?
