Panthers Make the Call: Andy Dalton Starts vs. Raiders, Bryce Young Sidelined

On Monday, the Carolina Panthers made a surprising decision by benching quarterback Bryce Young in favor of Andy Dalton. This change came less than 24 hours after head coach Dave Canales had publicly declared that Young, the top pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, would remain the starting quarterback for the upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Young, at just 23 years old, has made history as the first quarterback selected first overall in the common draft era (since 1967) to be benched for reasons other than injury in his second season. This decision highlights the urgency and pressure the Panthers are facing as they struggle to find success this season.

The move to bench Young follows a disheartening 26-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, where Young struggled significantly. He posted a career-low 6.4 QBR (Quarterback Rating), which contributed to the decision to make a change at the quarterback position. Coach Canales, after reviewing the game film, determined that a shift was necessary to improve the team’s performance moving forward.

The decision to bench Young has sparked speculation about the level of influence from other figures within the Panthers organization. Although Canales did not specify whether owner David Tepper was directly involved in the decision, he did mention that general manager Dan Morgan and executive vice president Brandt Tilis were part of the discussion. Their involvement indicates that the decision was made with broader organizational input rather than being solely the coach’s call.

This benching represents a significant shift in the Panthers’ strategy and raises questions about Young’s future with the team. As a highly anticipated rookie, Young’s performance has been closely watched, and this development adds another layer of scrutiny to his early career. The Panthers’ coaching staff and management will now be looking closely at how Dalton performs and whether he can provide the team with a much-needed boost in their upcoming games.

Overall, this move underscores the high stakes in the NFL, where even top draft picks are not immune to changes based on their performance and the team’s immediate needs.

Dave Canales, the new head coach of the Carolina Panthers, took full responsibility for the recent decision to bench quarterback Bryce Young in favor of Andy Dalton. Canales, who was hired earlier this year due to his successful track record with quarterbacks like Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield, emphasized that his primary focus is to help the Panthers win games. He believes that making this change gives the team the best chance to achieve that goal.

Since being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Young has struggled significantly. With a record of 2-16 as a starter, his performance has not lived up to the high expectations set for him. This season, the Panthers have lost both of their games, including a heavy defeat by the Los Angeles Chargers and a loss to the New Orleans Saints, with a combined score of 73-13. Young’s performance has been disappointing, reflected in his current 8.9 QBR (Quarterback Rating) after two games. This is the worst QBR among all qualified NFL quarterbacks this season. For comparison, Caleb Williams, who was drafted No. 1 in the 2024 Draft—using a pick acquired from Carolina in the Young trade—has a QBR of 23.9, the next closest to Young’s mark.

Despite Young’s struggles, it’s worth noting that his 8.9 QBR is not the worst two-game stretch in NFL history since ESPN began tracking the metric. Matthew Stafford averaged a QBR of 5.6 in 2009 with the Detroit Lions, while Andy Dalton himself had an average of 7.4 in 2017 with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Dalton, now 34, is eager to step in and demonstrate his skills. He expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to prove himself as the starting quarterback. At the same time, Dalton showed empathy towards Young, acknowledging the challenges and pressures faced by the young quarterback. The situation is tough for Young, but Dalton’s readiness to contribute and his understanding of the circumstances may provide a much-needed lift for the Panthers as they look to turn their season around.

Andy Dalton, newly named the starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, shared his enthusiasm about the opportunity with a big smile. He admitted he wasn’t sure if he’d get another chance to start, making this moment especially significant for him. Dalton expressed his excitement for what’s ahead and acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, noting that he’s experienced both being benched and starting. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic and eager to take on the new role.

Bryce Young, the previous starter, was reportedly surprised by the decision to bench him. A source close to the situation revealed that Young felt blindsided, especially after what seemed like a supportive vote of confidence from coach Dave Canales just a day earlier. Young had previously thanked Canales for his backing, which made the sudden shift even more unexpected.

After the game on Sunday, Young maintained a positive outlook despite the setback. He said, “I’m very blessed. I’m grateful for this challenge. Not an ideal start, but God does everything for a reason. I have faith in that.” Young’s remarks reflect his belief in the purpose behind his challenges and his determination to stay positive and resilient.

Dalton, who was informed of his new role by Canales, admitted he was not expecting the news. However, he revealed that he had been hoping and praying for another chance to prove himself. Dalton’s last significant start came in the third game of the previous season. At that time, he replaced Young, who was dealing with an ankle injury, in a game following an 0-2 start. Dalton performed well, completing 34 of 58 passes for 361 yards and two touchdowns, despite the Panthers’ 37-27 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

This new opportunity for Dalton comes as the Panthers look to turn their season around, and he is poised to make the most of it. Dalton’s previous experience and performance provide a solid foundation as he steps into the role of starting quarterback, bringing both experience and a fresh perspective to the team.