In a surprising development, the Carolina Panthers announced the benching of Bryce Young, their 2023 No. 1 overall pick, after just two games in the 2024 NFL season. Despite high expectations and the weight of being the top draft choice, Young finds himself behind veteran Andy Dalton on the depth chart.
A Rocky Start
The Panthers’ early season struggles have been evident, starting with an 0-2 record. The team’s offense leaned heavily on the rushing attack, with 38 running plays in the first two games. However, the ground game didn't yield the desired results, especially when opponents combined for a staggering 81 rushing attempts against the Panthers in the same period.
Young's Response
In a show of maturity beyond his years, Bryce Young addressed the situation with a composed and respectful tone. "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," Young stated.
Reflecting on his performance, Young took accountability: "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."
Support from Teammates and Icons
The benching hasn't deterred support for Young from fellow professionals and teammates. LeBron James, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, reached out on social media with words of encouragement, telling Young that the benching "ain't on you."
Similarly, several Panthers players have publicly shown solidarity with their young quarterback following their Week 2 loss to the Chargers. This support is crucial for a young player navigating the highs and lows of professional sports.
Young, maintaining his focus, commented, "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."
Leadership and Future Prospects
Head coach Dave Canales has a challenging task ahead as he leads the team through this turbulent period. The upcoming games are now seen as crucial for the Panthers' season aspirations.
While Young’s benching is an unexpected twist in his burgeoning career, it's clear that the Panthers remain a team in flux. The commitment from their players and coaching staff indicates resilience. How the team will maneuver through this period remains a key storyline for those following the NFL season closely.