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Carolina Panthers, Bryce Young
September 22, 2024 By  Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers’ Bryce Young Benching Gets David Tepper Clarity

The Carolina Panthers have decided to bench Bryce Young, the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, in favor of veteran Andy Dalton. This led to how team owner David Tepper figured in this issue and what his role was exactly.

This decision came last week after a dismal start to the season. During that period, the Panthers struggled at 0-2, including a lopsided 26-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Carolina Panthers, Bryce Young
Jul 30, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws a pass during training camp at Carolina Panthers Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Head coach Dave Canales stated that Dalton offers the best chance for the team to win, emphasizing the need for stability at the quarterback position. During the first two weeks, Young failed to impress, managing only one rushing touchdown and throwing three interceptions, with a completion rate of 55.4% and a meager 245 passing yards.

Young’s performance has drawn criticism, as he has not thrown a regular-season touchdown pass since December. Despite this benching, Canales reiterated that the Panthers do not plan to trade Young, suggesting that the franchise still sees potential in him.

While Dalton, at 36, brings experience and reliability, the Panthers hope this move will spark improvement. Teammates expressed support for Young, with running back Miles Sanders stating that it’s not over for him yet. This transition highlights the challenges Young faces in his development as an NFL quarterback.

Carolina Panthers Owner David Tepper’s Role in Bryce Young’s Benching Clarified

Carolina Panthers, David Tepper
Oct 16, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper wears an Intercept Cancer shirt in recognition of breast cancer awareness month during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Just recently, Panthers owner clarified his role in the benching of Young. This can be seen in an article Timothy Rapp wrote for Bleacher Report.

“I don’t think [Tepper] pushed the button on this one,” SI.com’s Albert Breer said on Thursday’s edition of The Rich Eisen Show. “I think this has more to do with how Bryce was playing, but are they always aware of what he wants? Yes. I think like anything else, in any workplace, if you have an idea of what your boss wants then maybe you act accordingly sometimes.”

Due to his benching, several NFL teams have shown interest in trading for Young, despite the Panthers’ stance against moving the former No. 1 overall pick. With a disappointing record of 2-16 as a starter, the quarterback has struggled this season, prompting discussions about his future.

Carolina Panthers, Bryce Young, NFL
Sep 8, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) scrambles to make a pass as New Orleans Saints defensive end Chase Young (99) rushes at him during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

It remains to be seen how Young will fare as the season progresses. Whether he gets the starting QB role back, stays in the bench, or gets traded, Panthers fans will be waiting to see how this whole issue will pan out.

Carolina Panthers, Bryce Young
Aug 17, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) during pregame warm ups against the New York Jets at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

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About Angelo Guinhawa

Angelo Guinhawa is a veteran sports writer and editor who has been working in the industry for over 10 years now. He has worked for FOX Sports PH and several other reputable sports publications. His specialty is the NBA and the NFL, though he also covers the MLB, NHL and European top-flight football.

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