Earlier this week, the Carolina Panthers benched ineffective second-year quarterback Bryce Young, who’s 2-16 as a starter and has completed just 59.3% of his passes for his career, well below average.
Even with a bolstered offense around him, Young has struggled for the Panthers (0-2), who have been outscored 73-13.
But the decision to bench the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner for veteran Andy Dalton doesn’t make sense given Carolina’s status in the division and other factors.
Here’s why the Panthers should have kept the former Alabama star as starter:
1. Easier upcoming schedule would have provided a good trial run
After opening against surprisingly strong New Orleans Saints squad — one which crushed the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2 — and the rising Los Angeles Chargers, the Panthers have a comparatively easy upcoming schedule.
Over the the next six weeks, Carolina plays at the Las Vegas Raiders (Sept. 22), vs. Cincinnati Bengals (Sept. 29), at Chicago Bears (Oct. 6), vs. Atlanta Falcons (Oct. 13), at Washington Commanders (Oct. 20) and at Denver Broncos (Oct. 27). The Broncos have looked dreadful, scoring only 26 points.
Carolina probably won’t be favored against any of these teams, but the apparent step down in competition would have been a good way to gauge Young’s progress.
2. An NFC South title is unattainable
Through two weeks of play, the Panthers’ three divisional rivals are a combined 5-1. The Saints have scored 91 points in two games, the Buccaneers look like title contenders and the Falcons just pulled off a “Monday Night Football” upset in Philadelphia.
Given that Carolina’s competition appears so stiff within its division, a playoff run is a pipe dream, as it probably was before the season anyway. It’s not realistic to compete for the division with Dalton or Young, so why not give the younger player as many reps as possible
3. Counting out Canales too early
First-year head coach Dave Canales made a name for himself in the NFL by revitalizing the careers of struggling quarterbacks. He managed to get the best out of Geno Smith as QB coach in Seattle and with Baker Mayfield as offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay, taking them from borderline backups to viable starters.
Benching Young just two weeks into his time with Canales eliminates the possibility of an early-career resurgence. Given what was spent to acquire Young in the 2023 NFL Draft, this feels like a premature decision regardless of what the young signal-caller has shown.
Canales should be made to show what he can do, too. After all, when asked whether Young still has a chance to be a franchise QB, Canales said, “Absolutely.”
4. No future with Dalton at the helm
Entering his 14th season in the NFL at age 36, Dalton clearly is not a part of Carolina’s long-term future. He’s simply a Band-Aid, put in place until a better alternative is found.
Given the reality that Carolina faces, there’s no need for a temporary fix. It’s unlikely that Young ends up being a franchise player, but it’s at least worth seeing what he can do now. Perhaps by playing him, he could increase his trade value.
5. Damaging their position in a crucial draft
No matter who finishes out this season at quarterback for Carolina, it’s clear the Panthers will likely be in the market for a new one in the 2025 NFL Draft.
If Dalton plays well and wins a few games, he could move the Panthers down the draft board, hurting their odds at adding an elite quarterback.
If Panthers’ fans have learned anything recently, it’s that there are no guarantees in the draft. With that being said, picking from the top spot usually means a better chance at landing the top guy.
Why risk that in exchange for a few more wins with a quarterback who won’t be in Carolina long term?
