The Carolina Panthers hoped that Bryce Young would solve their ongoing quarterback problems when they picked him No. 1 overall last year.
However, after just two games into his second season, Young has been benched, and the Panthers are turning to another veteran quarterback. Andy Dalton, who is 36 years old, will lead the offense on Sunday when the Panthers (0-2) face the Las Vegas Raiders.
“I’m really excited for this opportunity,” Dalton said with a big smile. “When I came here, I wasn’t sure if I would get another chance 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.” While Dalton is eager for the chance, this wasn’t the Panthers’ plan.
They wanted — and needed — Young to succeed after trading four draft picks and wide receiver D.J. Moore to move up eight spots in the draft to get him. But Young has a 2-16 record as an NFL starter with more interceptions than touchdowns, leading to frustration among fans and a sense of indifference following the continuous losses.
Since 2018, no team has a worse record (31-70) than the Panthers.
Carolina’s troubles started soon after injuries to shoulder and ankle began affecting franchise quarterback Cam Newton in 2016. The Panthers made the playoffs in 2017 but lost in the first round.
They haven’t returned to the playoffs since.
The quarterback situation has remained problematic ever since, with the Panthers trying various options, including several attempts at reviving players’ careers.
The Panthers have tried multiple solutions to fix their quarterback problems, including signing free-agent Teddy Bridgewater and trading for former top picks Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield.
Since 2018, ten different quarterbacks have started for the team, such as Kyle Allen, Taylor Heinicke, Will Grier, and P.J. Walker.
Now 36 years old, Dalton started a game for Carolina last year when he filled in for Young due to injury. He completed 34 of 58 passes for 361 yards and two touchdowns, but the Panthers lost 37-27 to Seattle. Despite the loss, it was the best the offense had performed that season.
Dalton gets another opportunity now, with a new head coach and playcaller, Dave Canales.
“I think the way we build things and the way we do things if you can get the ball out of your hands and make quick decisions and play with timing and accuracy and anticipation, all that kind of stuff,” Dalton said. “There’s a lot of that in this offense.”
Canales said he benched Young because he believes Dalton “gives us the best chance to win” following a 26-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
The Panthers have been outscored 73-13 this season, including 53-3 in the first halves of their games. Dalton is seen as a temporary solution until the team figures out its next steps at quarterback.
“After I watched the film, I had a thought in mind. We talked and I had to make the decision that was best for the team,” Canales said. “I certainly take it personal. This is about building a culture, this is about building a football team that plays to a certain style, and that’s my main focus.”
He added, “And above all, it’s to help the Panthers to win. So that’s what the decision was about.”
Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce was unaware of the Panthers’ quarterback change until reporters informed him on Monday.
“A veteran quarterback,” Pierce said of Dalton. “We just had some meetings, but hmmm, I’ve got to go back to the drawing boards now.”
