In a move that shocked many, Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales decided to bench Bryce Young, the team’s No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, after just two games this season.
Veteran quarterback Andy Dalton will take over for Sunday’s matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, leaving Young in an unfamiliar and humbling position. During his first interview since the announcement, Young expressed both surprise and accountability for his team’s decision.
“As a competitor, obviously not how you dream of what’s going to happen,” Young said on Thursday. “It wasn’t something I necessarily was expecting. Obviously, it was not something that was great to hear. It’s on me to put them in that situation.”
NFL NEWS & RUMORS: Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers Updates
The 22-year-old quarterback, who holds a disappointing 2-16 record as the starter since being drafted, took full responsibility for the struggles that led to his benching. He reflected on his poor performances, particularly his historically low Total QBR of 9.1 through the first two games this season.
“For the most part, every snap hit my hands, and I didn’t do enough. I take accountability for that. There’s a long list of things that I wish was better, and I’ll continue to work and grow and improve,” Young added.
Shocking Decision and Its Aftermath
Young’s benching comes after a tumultuous rookie season that saw former head coach Frank Reich fired following a 1-10 start. Even with a fresh start under Canales this season, Young’s struggles have continued.
Through two games, he’s completed just 55.4% of his passes for 245 yards, with zero touchdowns and three interceptions. Despite the offseason efforts to improve the offense around him, Young hasn’t been able to find his rhythm.
Young made it clear he wasn’t angry about the decision, despite sources indicating he may have initially been upset. He maintained his focus on doing whatever the team needed, even if it meant running the scout team.
“I’m a day-by-day kind of person,” Young said. “Big picture stuff, that’s out of my hands. That’s organizational stuff, for the people upstairs. I’m super grateful to be part of the team, with our organization. I want to help in every way I can.”
NFL NEWS & RUMORS: Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers Updates
Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero praised Young’s commitment to playing his new role as the scout team quarterback, where he’s been emulating Raiders QB Gardner Minshew in practice. “He did a lot of good things in practice against us, and certainly he’s making us better,” Evero said.
Future Uncertain for Young in Carolina
Though Young has struggled, Canales was quick to dismiss any trade speculation, reaffirming his belief that Young could still be the Panthers’ franchise quarterback. “Trading Young is not something that we’re considering,” Canales said on Wednesday.
Despite the uncertainty, Young remains focused on controlling what he can, refusing to speculate on whether he’ll stay with the Panthers or be traded before the end of his rookie contract. A source close to Young revealed that he is “open to anything,” including staying with the team or moving on if a trade becomes a reality.
“I have confidence in myself,” Young said. “Whenever there’s a football and there’s a field out there, I have the utmost confidence in myself. It’s up to God to decide what happens next. I just focus on what I can control.”
NFL NEWS & RUMORS: Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers Updates
As Andy Dalton prepares to start against the Raiders, Young is determined to make the most of his new role on the sidelines. “I’m going to help the team any way I can, and that’s my focus,” Young concluded.
With a 0-2 record and an uphill battle ahead, the Panthers’ quarterback situation remains one of the most intriguing storylines of the early NFL season.
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