The Carolina Panthers made a bold move early in the 2024 NFL season by benching their 2023 No. 1 overall pick, Bryce Young. After just two games and a disappointing 0-2 start, head coach Dave Canales made the decision to place Young behind veteran Andy Dalton on the depth chart, a move that has stirred considerable discussion among fans and analysts alike.
Young’s benching came unexpectedly for many, including Young himself. "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," he remarked, showcasing his maturity and team-first attitude despite the setback.
It's clear the early-season struggles weren't solely placed on Young’s shoulders. The Panthers' offensive strategy saw them run the ball just 38 times in the first two games, while their opponents capitalized with a combined 81 rushing attempts. This disparity in ground control hinted at broader issues within the team’s offensive and defensive execution strategies.
The 0-2 start against such a backdrop naturally led to introspection within the squad. Young himself took accountability for his performance, stating, "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."
Despite the benching, support for Young has been vociferous from several quarters. NBA superstar LeBron James notably took to social media to offer words of encouragement, stating that the benching “ain’t on you.” Additionally, the Panthers' locker room has rallied around Young, with several players expressing their support following the Week 2 loss to the Chargers. This groundswell of backing could be crucial in maintaining Young's morale and readiness to step back in if required.
For Canales and the Panthers, the upcoming games are critical not just in terms of salvaging the season but also in terms of solidifying team cohesion and strategic clarity. It's a period that will test the mettle of both the coaching staff and the players. In the meantime, Young is keeping his focus on day-to-day improvement and contributing to the team in any capacity he can. "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 expressed, highlighting his resilience and commitment.
As the Panthers navigate this challenging phase, all eyes will be on how the team, and particularly Young, respond. Will the benching spark a resurgence for both the player and the team? Or will the early-season decisions set a different tone for the remaining games? Only time will tell, but what remains undoubted is Young's potential and determination to bounce back from this career stumbling block.