Andy Dalton’s excitement was evident as he smiled upon learning he would be starting for the Carolina Panthers, replacing rookie quarterback Bryce Young. The decision came as a surprise, particularly since head coach Dave Canales had previously indicated that Young would remain the starter.
Canales, usually upbeat, was more reserved when announcing the switch, acknowledging it was tough on Young, who was reportedly blindsided. While it was a tough day for the young quarterback, Dalton saw it as a chance to step in and help a struggling team, which had endured a rough start to the season.
The veteran quarterback, a second-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2011, was thrilled to have the opportunity to start again. After signing a two-year, $10 million deal with the Panthers in the offseason to back up Young, Dalton wasn’t sure if he’d get another chance to lead a team.
Now, with the Panthers coming off six straight losing seasons and being outscored 73-13 in their first two games, Dalton hoped his experience could offer the team some much-needed stability. He expressed empathy for Young, having been through his own share of highs and lows as an NFL quarterback.
Carolina’s offensive struggles, highlighted by a historically low-efficiency rating, contributed to Canales’ decision to bench Young. The rookie’s 8.9 QBR ranked among the worst over two games, further justifying the change. Dalton, though sympathetic to Young’s position, knew the emotional toll of being benched.
He recalled his own struggles, notably a particularly poor game in 2014, and how he bounced back from that to find success. Dalton emphasized that despite the circumstances, he would remain true to himself and was looking forward to this new opportunity.
Throughout his career, Dalton has consistently contributed to the development of younger quarterbacks, including Young. From the moment he arrived in Carolina, he offered input and shared his perspective, hoping to help the rookie grow.
However, Dalton was excited about the chance to now directly influence games as a starter. His career trajectory has been different from Young’s, as Dalton had early success, leading the Bengals to several winning seasons, while Young’s NFL start has been more difficult, with an 0-2 record in his first two games.
Dalton’s career, though marked by regular-season success, has been less successful in key moments like playoff games and primetime matchups. Despite that, the Panthers aren’t focused on playoff aspirations this season—they’re looking for someone to rejuvenate their struggling offense and energize a disappointed fan base.
Dalton, in his only start for the Panthers earlier in the season, showed promise with 361 passing yards and two touchdowns, but his record as a midseason replacement has been mixed, having struggled with similar roles in recent years.
For Canales, the decision to start Dalton wasn’t just about experience but also Dalton’s positive attitude. Canales has a track record of helping veteran quarterbacks revive their careers, and Dalton’s optimism about the team being “close in a lot of areas” was likely a factor in the change.
As Dalton looked forward to leading the Panthers, he viewed the opportunity as a personal victory, calling it something he had been hoping and praying for. With the chance now in hand, Dalton was eager to prove himself once again on the field.
