In a surprising shakeup that sent waves through the NFL , the Carolina Panthers made headlines on Monday by benching rookie quarterback Bryce Young in favor of veteran Andy Dalton . ESPN's Adam Schefter revealed that the bold decision came from head coach Dave Canales , general manager Dan Morgan, and executive vice president Brandt Tillis.
Also Read: Jason Kelce Reviews Eagles' Messy Win Over the Packers: How Jalen Hurts Overcame 2 INTs
Why did the Panthers Bench Bryce Young? Unpacking Canales' surprising first major move
Schefter referenced a source who described it as "Dave Canales' first big-boy decision," while NFL insider Jordan Schultz noted that the move came as a significant surprise to the quarterback himself.
In his debut season as an NFL head coach, Canales was brought on by Carolina after playing a key role in guiding the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the playoffs as their offensive coordinator.
It's certainly shocking to see Bryce Young, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick, benched so early in his career despite his initial struggles. What makes the situation more striking is the comparison to Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, who was selected right after him at No. 2 and has already emerged as one of the league's top signal-callers. Stroud's success only magnifies the pressure on Young.
Young wrapped up the 2023 season with a 59.8% completion rate, throwing for 2,877 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions over 16 games. He also added 253 rushing yards to his performance.
Amid Young's difficulties, the Panthers made a major change by firing head coach Frank Reich after 11 games on Nov. 27, appointing special teams coordinator Chris Tabor as interim head coach.
Despite the coaching shakeup, the Panthers' woes persisted, culminating in a disappointing 2-15 finish for the 2023 season.
In hopes of turning things around, Carolina brought in Dave Canales as head coach for the 2024 campaign, with the expectation that his leadership would foster Bryce Young's growth and bolster the team’s performance.
Yet, Young has been benched in favor of Andy Dalton, a seasoned three-time Pro Bowler who, while experienced, is now in the twilight of his career. Dalton, set to turn 37 in October, carries a 33-52-1 record as a starter dating back to the 2016 season.
Last season, he made one start for the Panthers, completing 34 of 58 passes for 361 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions in a 37-27 defeat against the Seattle Seahawks.
Also Read: Browns Star Johnny Manziel Opens Up to Ex-Wife Bre Tiesi: Admits to Cheating and ‘Getting Drunk Every Night’
Also Read: Jason Kelce Reviews Eagles' Messy Win Over the Packers: How Jalen Hurts Overcame 2 INTs
Why did the Panthers Bench Bryce Young? Unpacking Canales' surprising first major move
Schefter referenced a source who described it as "Dave Canales' first big-boy decision," while NFL insider Jordan Schultz noted that the move came as a significant surprise to the quarterback himself.
In his debut season as an NFL head coach, Canales was brought on by Carolina after playing a key role in guiding the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the playoffs as their offensive coordinator.
It's certainly shocking to see Bryce Young, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick, benched so early in his career despite his initial struggles. What makes the situation more striking is the comparison to Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, who was selected right after him at No. 2 and has already emerged as one of the league's top signal-callers. Stroud's success only magnifies the pressure on Young.
Young wrapped up the 2023 season with a 59.8% completion rate, throwing for 2,877 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions over 16 games. He also added 253 rushing yards to his performance.
Amid Young's difficulties, the Panthers made a major change by firing head coach Frank Reich after 11 games on Nov. 27, appointing special teams coordinator Chris Tabor as interim head coach.
Despite the coaching shakeup, the Panthers' woes persisted, culminating in a disappointing 2-15 finish for the 2023 season.
In hopes of turning things around, Carolina brought in Dave Canales as head coach for the 2024 campaign, with the expectation that his leadership would foster Bryce Young's growth and bolster the team’s performance.
Yet, Young has been benched in favor of Andy Dalton, a seasoned three-time Pro Bowler who, while experienced, is now in the twilight of his career. Dalton, set to turn 37 in October, carries a 33-52-1 record as a starter dating back to the 2016 season.
Last season, he made one start for the Panthers, completing 34 of 58 passes for 361 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions in a 37-27 defeat against the Seattle Seahawks.
Also Read: Browns Star Johnny Manziel Opens Up to Ex-Wife Bre Tiesi: Admits to Cheating and ‘Getting Drunk Every Night’
