The Carolina Panthers shocked the world this week when they announced they would be benching their No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young.
Young only played 18 games as their starter before the team decided to bench him for Andy Dalton. While the entire NFL world was left in shock, Young himself is reportedly furious by the decision. Many fans have taken sides as to whether or not Young is the problem or if the issues stem from the organization. Young was clearly talented in his college career, and he may already want to leave the team.
We now know that both Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, who played in Carolina, are very solid starters in this league, and Young may want to prove himself somewhere else the same way they did.
Bryce Young Infuriared with the Carolina Panthers
NFL insider Jeremy Fowler gave the inside scoop on the situation with Young, and apparently, the former Heisman winner is extremely ‘pissed’ but the decision to bench him for Dalton.
On top of the outright shock, Young may already want to leave the team, as it worked out extremely well for Darnold and Baker.
The decision was seemingly made for their head coach Dave Canales, and they want to see the coach succeed. Fowler noted that players and coaches on the team have been frustrated with Young’s performance so far:
“The Panthers sent shockwaves through the league with the benching of Bryce Young,” Fowler wrote. “Here’s what I know about the situation after asking around. First, Young was not only shocked by the decision but also upset. ‘He’s pissed,’ a source said, citing the vision of the new Panthers offense being ripped apart after two games. And that’s understandable, given the quick hook. But the decision goes beyond the poor play through two games. The Panthers saw a tentative quarterback whose confidence was clearly affected. The receivers were growing frustrated. So the Panthers weighed this question: Can they wait for Young’s confidence to return or will the continued poor play of the offense risk losing the team?”
Fowler went on to say that the team desperately wants Canales to succeed and they all think that Dalton gives him and the team the best chance to get wins for this season:
“The locker room is still invested in coach Dave Canales and his new staff, so making the best decision for the players inside of it was crucial. Carolina’s defense is not the same as in past years (it’s considered far less talented), so the offense can’t lean on it as it once did. And Andy Dalton was simply the better option at this stage. Players see it all through the course of spring practices to now. They know who should be playing. Dalton has veteran leadership that Carolina feels it needs right now. Even though the offense is not loaded with talent, the Panthers feel as if the receivers are at least getting open enough for NFL standards, and that Dalton can hit them.”
The team thought it was better to bench Young now to save their season if that is even possible, and that they cannot deal with the growing pains of a young quarterback right now. It is very fascinating to look around the NFL this season at the rookie quarterbacks, and it would not be wrong to say that Drake Maye and Michale Penix Jr. are in the best position for all the rookies in that they are sitting on the bench.
It takes time for young quarterbacks to gain traction in the NFL, and Young could still be a solid player for another team. We will have to wait and see if he asks to be traded during the season:
“Fiery is not Young’s style. And while his poise was considered a strength coming out of Alabama and still can be one, his calm demeanor can be portrayed by some as a lack of urgency — which can be tough for a young team finding its way. All of this brought Carolina to an axiom that’s largely true in sports: Decisions that will be made eventually should be made now. The Panthers couldn’t afford the growing pains at this stage.”
It must be an incredibly tough place for Young to be in, and it would make sense that he would want to move on to another organization like other quarterbacks that have come through the Panthers locker room.
Fans are split on whether or not Young is the issue, but many have taken his side and want to see him go somewhere else. We now have data that the Carolina Panthers are not good with solid starting quarterbacks, and Young may just need a new place to shine.
When you speak on Bryce Young just remember this….
Both are THRIVING. pic.twitter.com/emW8SVMEMJ— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 18, 2024
I’m sorry but Bryce young didn’t just randomly start sucking lmao the panthers have the worst ownership and offensive line in the league pic.twitter.com/EB1uc9gd0V
— John (@iam_johnw) September 16, 2024
Bryce Young hold ya head Young 🤴🏾!! Rooting for you and know this ain’t on you! Continue to put the work in and it shall prevail! 🙏🏾🫡👑
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 18, 2024
The Bryce Young news just makes Tom Brady's point here hit even harder. pic.twitter.com/WiCqxO9UpS
— Aubrey Graham Cracker (@TheAGC007) September 16, 2024
Micah Parsons doesn't think Bryce Young is 'getting a fair shake' after being benched by the Panthers 👀
He mentions Kenny Pickett & Justin Fields as other young quarterbacks who were expected to succeed despite 'no real assets around them' 🤔
(via The Edge with Micah Parsons) pic.twitter.com/X7bAkPJngB
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 17, 2024
Related: Is the Carolina Panthers’ Bryce Young Trade the Worst Deal in NFL History?
