The head coach of the Carolina Panthers, Dave Canales, has made the decision to bench quarterback Bryce Young after a disappointing performance in the team’s 26-3 loss against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2.

After reviewing the game footage, Canales chose to replace Young with veteran quarterback Andy Dalton.

During the Panthers’ Week 2 home opener, Young managed only 84 passing yards, which ranks as one of the lowest performances in team history for a quarterback with at least 25 throws. The team struggled, beginning the game with four consecutive three-and-outs and didn’t register a first down until the second quarter.

The Panthers, now 0-2, faced boos from the home crowd at Bank of America Stadium during the match.

This benching is yet another setback for Young, who is experiencing a tough start to his career in the NFL. He currently holds a dismal 44.1 passer rating this season and has a career record of 2-16 as a starter.

“I owe it to the coaches, the staff, the players—everyone involved—to critically evaluate the film and my observations,” Canales remarked. “My priority is to consistently make the best decisions for the team, particularly regarding the quarterback.”

YSL News Sports looks into what lies ahead for both Bryce Young and the Panthers:

Short-term solution: Andy Dalton

Dalton steps in for a Panthers squad that finds itself 0-2 for the second consecutive season. At 36 years old, Dalton has lots of NFL experience but is viewed as a journeyman quarterback at this stage of his career.

This 14-year veteran could be seen as a temporary solution until Carolina’s next starting quarterback emerges, or potentially a return for Young.

“I believe Andy gives us the best chance to win right now. His track record speaks for itself,” Canales stated on Monday. “He’s a seasoned player with a rich football history, and I’m looking forward to Andy taking on this challenge.”

Dalton spent his first nine NFL seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and also briefly played for the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and New Orleans Saints. Over his career, he has accumulated 38,511 passing yards, 246 touchdowns, and 144 interceptions across 170 games (163 starts).

What lies ahead for Bryce Young?

Young’s early-season struggles hint at a lack of confidence. His statistics reflect a 55.4% completion rate with no touchdowns and three interceptions, averaging just 122 passing yards per game.

Compared to his rookie season, where he recorded a 59.8% completion rate, 11 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions with an average of 179 passing yards, Young’s progression appears to have stagnated.

Canales indicated that there were “many factors” involved in the decision to bench Young, acknowledging that it was necessary due to his difficulty in reading defenses and appearing overwhelmed on the field.

This benching could serve as a turning point for Young, offering him a chance to learn from Dalton and gradually restore his confidence.

However, it raises important questions about Young’s future: Will he be reinstated later in the season? Is there a chance he will sit out the entire year? Or could he start fresh somewhere else?

Additionally, concerns remain regarding Young’s height of 5-foot-10 and his slight physique.

What’s next for the Panthers?

Canales refrained from commenting on Young’s status moving forward or his future with the Panthers. The coach emphasized the team’s current focus is on the upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3.

“At this moment, we’re concentrating on this week’s match. Our priority is preparing Andy to face the Raiders, and we’ll approach it week by week,” Canales mentioned. “We aim to tackle the Raiders effectively and uphold the mentality we seek.”

The Panthers made significant sacrifices for the future, trading two first-round and two second-round picks, along with wide receiver D.J. Moore, to the Chicago Bears to secure the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to select Young.

After 18 games as Carolina’s starter, is it enough to decide whether to move on from him?

Canales, along with first-year general manager Dan Morgan, inherited Young as a player, meaning they are not necessarily committed to him. With the Panthers trending toward a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, they may consider parting ways with Young and selecting another quarterback in the upcoming draft.

Young’s rookie contract extends through the 2026 season, and the Panthers can grant him a fifth-year option to add another year, though this seems unlikely given his current situation.

Ultimately, it may be best for both Young and the Panthers to explore new directions.

Follow Tyler Dragon from YSL News Sports on X @TheTylerDragon.