This week the Carolina Panthers announced that second-year quarterback, Bryce Young, has been benched and 36-year-old veteran Andy Dalton will start in their upcoming game vs. the Las Vegas Raiders.
Breaking: The Panthers are benching former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young, sources told @AdamSchefter.
Andy Dalton is Carolina’s new QB1. pic.twitter.com/kF2yHt986u
— ESPN (@espn) September 16, 2024
In view of the numbers, after a disappointing rookie season, Young has also underperformed to start this year, as the Panthers are currently 0-2; so far he has thrown 245 passing yards and three interceptions without a touchdown.
Bryce Young signs an autograph on his way into practice. Fan encourages him to keep his head up. pic.twitter.com/Y4D0vBfMvc
— Joe Person (@josephperson) September 18, 2024
With Young under center, the team had a 2-15 record last season, as the former Alabama quarterback threw nearly as many touchdowns (11) as interceptions (10), while having the 34th ranked QB rating in the NFL (73.7). Nevertheless, there are some who believe the 23-year-old quarterback is not to blame, as he appears to have not much help surrounding him.
There are some notable NFL players and even NBA players, such as LeBron James, who are on Young's side.
The world's all-time leading scorer in basketball history showed the QB some sympathy in a post on social media, while adding he was "rooting for him."
Bryce Young hold ya head Young 🤴🏾!! Rooting for you and know this ain’t on you! Continue to put the work in and it shall prevail! 🙏🏾🫡👑
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 18, 2024
LeBron posted this message to Bryce Young following the news that he’s been benched as the Panthers QB. pic.twitter.com/YBzcFscis4
— ESPN (@espn) September 18, 2024
Following the announcement to bench Young, head coach Dave Canales was asked if the organization would consider trading their 2023 No. 1 overall pick.
"That's not something we're really considering. We have a great situation with our quarterbacks right now... We love where we're at.
Former Panthers quarterback, Baker Mayfield, who knows the pressure of being a first overall draft pick, also spoke on the current state of affairs in Carolina.
Baker Mayfield was asked about Bryce Young's benching in Carolina, and he explained how tough playing quarterback is, especially when the supporting cast isn’t great.
"His story is far, far from finished."
Baker played in Carolina, is a former No. 1 pick and eventually bounced… pic.twitter.com/4iLBfHNPmP
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 18, 2024
"Obviously [my career] didn't happen in the same time frame as Bryce, but quarterback is hard, especially for young guys when you're not surrounded with the pieces ... and you're not given the opportunity to have success," Mayfield said.
Last season, he also uttered words of encouragement for Bryce.
Buccaneers vs. Panthers; December 3, 2023
"Quarterback is one of the hardest positions to play in sports, especially for him coming out as a No. 1 pick. Obviously, if you're the No. 1 pick, you're going there for a reason — [the team] hadn't had success... Bryce has a great head on his shoulders. I have no doubt that he's going to have a long career. I'm looking forward to seeing what he does — except for two games out of the year."
Baker will face off with the Panthers and his former Tampa Bay Bucs coach Canales on December 1 (Week 13) and December 29 (Week 17).
When you speak on Bryce Young just remember this….
Both are THRIVING. pic.twitter.com/emW8SVMEMJ— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 18, 2024
To point out, Mayfield, along with former signal caller, Sam Darnold, who is currently the starting quarterback in Minnesota, have both found success on new teams since leaving the Panthers.
All in all, many are curious to see how 14-year veteran Dalton will do in his start this Sunday, when the team travels to Las Vegas to take on the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on September 22 4:05 pm ET.
"I'm really excited for this opportunity," Dalton said to reporters after he found out he would be starting. "When I came here, I wasn't sure if I was going to get another opportunity to start again. I'm really looking forward to it. I'm excited about what's ahead... It's a tough situation. I've been on both sides of it and it's hard for everybody. But for me, I'm looking forward to it."
