The Carolina Panthers’ initial optimism surrounding Bryce Young as their franchise quarterback has dwindled significantly. Selected as the No. 1 overall pick last year, Young was expected to end the team’s ongoing quarterback struggles.
However, just two games into his second season, Young has been benched in favor of 36-year-old Andy Dalton, who will start in their upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Dalton’s arrival marks a new chapter for the Panthers as they seek stability in the quarterback position.
Andy Dalton expressed enthusiasm about his new opportunity, acknowledging the tough situation surrounding the team. He revealed his excitement about getting another chance to start, a position he wasn’t sure he’d have again. Despite the challenging circumstances, Dalton’s positive outlook is evident as he prepares to take over the offense, aiming to bring a change in fortunes for the Panthers.
Carolina’s need for Young to succeed was critical, given the substantial trade investment made to secure him. The Panthers traded four draft picks and wide receiver D.J. Moore to move up in the draft for Young.
Unfortunately, Young’s performance has been underwhelming, with a poor record and a ratio of more interceptions than touchdowns. The Panthers’ dismal performance, coupled with their worst record since 2018, has left fans disillusioned.
The Panthers’ quarterback issues have persisted since the decline of Cam Newton, whose injuries began affecting his performance in 2016. Since Newton’s era, Carolina has experimented with various quarterbacks, including Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Darnold, and Baker Mayfield, among others. Despite these efforts, the team has struggled, indicating a broader problem with finding a stable and effective quarterback.
Dalton’s temporary role is seen as a stopgap measure while the Panthers reassess their long-term quarterback strategy. New head coach Dave Canales decided to bench Young, believing Dalton offers the best chance for success given the team’s current struggles. With a poor start to the season and heavy losses, Dalton’s performance will be closely watched as he steps into a team in desperate need of a turnaround.
