In a surprising move, the Carolina Panthers have decided to bench Bryce Young, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick, after just two games in the 2024 NFL season. The young quarterback found himself relegated to the backup position behind veteran Andy Dalton, as the team grapples with a challenging start to the season.
A Rocky Start
The Panthers opened the season with an 0-2 record, a disappointing outcome for a franchise that had high hopes following the acquisition of Bryce Young in the draft. Young’s struggles in these initial games contributed to this decision, despite his undeniable talent and potential. The team ran the ball 38 times over the first two games, while opponents exploited their defense, combining for 81 rushing attempts. Clearly, the offensive inefficiency and defensive vulnerabilities have played parts in the team’s early-season woes.
Head coach Dave Canales, tasked with steering the Panthers through this tumultuous period, made the tough call to bench Young, exercising his judgement in hopes of turning the season around. Young, while visibly disappointed, expressed his understanding and respect for the decision.
Young’s Response
"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," said Young in a statement following the announcement.
Despite the setback, Young has shown commendable maturity and accountability, emphasizing his willingness to support the team in any capacity. "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 admitted, reflecting a level of self-awareness that bodes well for his future in the league.
Support from Teammates and Beyond
In the wake of the benching, several Panthers players have rallied around Young, showing solidarity and support. This show of unity is essential as the team heads into a series of crucial upcoming games that could determine the trajectory of their season. Moreover, the support extended beyond the locker room, with NBA superstar LeBron James offering words of encouragement on social media, stating that the benching "ain't on you."
Young’s reaction to this support has been one of gratitude and determination. "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 commented, indicating his focus remains on contributing positively to the team.
The Road Ahead
As the Panthers navigate this challenging juncture, the performances in their next few games will be critical. Head coach Dave Canales and the entire coaching staff will need to strategize carefully to regain momentum and capitalize on the potential within the roster. For Bryce Young, this moment serves as a test of his resilience and professionalism. His response to being benched exemplifies a player dedicated to growth and team success, qualities that could shape his career positively in the long run.
Through these early-season trials, the Panthers are experiencing a phase of character-building. Whether this benching will ignite a turnaround remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Bryce Young’s journey is only beginning, and his ability to adapt and persevere will be key to his evolution as an NFL quarterback.