After a rough start to the 2024 NFL season, the Carolina Panthers have made a bold move, benching Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick from the 2023 draft, after just two games. This decision comes as the Panthers grapple with an 0-2 record, a stark contrast to the high expectations set when Young joined the team.
A Disappointing Start
In the opening games, the Panthers struggled to find their footing, both offensively and defensively. Bryce Young, despite his potential, failed to ignite the offense, resulting in his demotion behind veteran Andy Dalton on the depth chart. “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,” Young remarked. “Right now, that's the situation that it is. I have to do everything to help the team whatever way I can.”
The Panthers’ offense ran the ball 38 times in these initial contests, indicating a struggle to establish a balanced attack. Conversely, opponents exploited the Panthers' defense with 81 rushing attempts combined in the first two games. This imbalance on both sides of the ball has contributed to the team’s early-season woes.
Support from Within and Beyond
The response to Young’s benching has been one of support and encouragement from both teammates and external figures in the sports world. LeBron James, an icon in his own right, took to social media to bolster Young’s spirits, stating simply that the benching “ain't on you.” Such high-profile endorsement underscores the recognition of Young’s potential and the understanding that his struggles are not solely his fault.
Following the Week 2 loss to the Chargers, several Panthers players expressed their support for Young. This show of solidarity indicates a locker room that, while facing challenges, remains united. Young himself took accountability for his part in the team’s struggles, admitting, “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.”
A Test for Coach Dave Canales
Head coach Dave Canales now faces a critical juncture in his tenure with the Panthers. Steering the team through this rough patch while managing the expectations attached to a high-profile quarterback change is no small feat. Canales’ leadership will be closely scrutinized as the team prepares for what are being labeled crucial upcoming games.
Young, for his part, continues to maintain a positive and team-first outlook despite the setback. “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 stated, demonstrating maturity and composure beyond his years.
The Panthers' decision to bench Bryce Young after just two games signals a moment of reckoning for the team. With internal and external support for Young, and a coach determined to turn the season around, the coming weeks will be pivotal. How the organization navigates this period could very well define the trajectory of their season – and Bryce Young's career.