CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers have made the decision to bench Bryce Young, the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, following a challenging start to the season for the second-year quarterback. Andy Dalton will step in as the starting quarterback for the upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
Coach Dave Canales announced the move after reviewing film from the Panthers’ recent 26-3 defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers. He communicated the decision to both quarterbacks on Monday, after conferring with general manager Dan Morgan and vice president of football operations Brandt Tilis.
“After watching the film and taking in all of the information I feel like Andy gives us the best chance to win,” said Canales, who did not comment on whether Dalton would continue in the starting role beyond this week, emphasizing that the immediate focus is on the next game.
The reason behind the benching of Young was not explicitly detailed by Canales, who described it as a private decision-making process. Canales, known for reviving the careers of quarterbacks like Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield, was brought in to maximize Young’s potential, but the struggles evident in the rookie season appear to have persisted.
Over the first two games of the season, Young has completed only 31 of 56 passes for a total of 244 yards, alongside three interceptions, contributing to the Panthers’ 0-2 record. Carolina is notably struggling, having been outscored 73-13 by the New Orleans Saints and Chargers, with Young managing just one rushing touchdown, the team’s only score this season.
When asked if Young retains support from the locker room, Canales responded cautiously, stating, “that’s a loaded question,” but reiterated that the focus now is on improving from the previous game.
Since being drafted, Young has recorded a starting record of 2-16. The Panthers made a notable trade with the Chicago Bears to secure him, parting with wide receiver D.J. Moore and four draft picks, including the number one overall pick this year, which Chicago used to select quarterback Caleb Williams.
Young’s performance has fallen short of expectations for a first overall pick, as he has struggled with making sound decisions under pressure, leading to repeated issues during games. The home crowd expressed frustration during the last matchup, booing the team as offensive drives repeatedly failed.
In reflecting on his confidence, Young expressed gratitude for the challenge, drawing strength from his faith, and accepted responsibility for his performance, acknowledging the need for better decision-making.
Dalton, who holds a starting record of 83-78-2 since entering the NFL in 2011, expressed surprise at the change but welcomed the opportunity to start again after a setback due to a quad injury during training camp.
Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble expressed his belief in Young’s talent, stating that the entire team needs to take accountability for not supporting their quarterback adequately during games. “I’ve seen the flashes and what he does on a daily basis in practice. I think just together as a group I feel bad that we couldn’t show that on Sundays,” Tremble said.