The Carolina Panthers‘ unceremonious benching of Bryce Young came out of the blue for everyone – even the quarterback himself.
The Panthers, who are 0-2 for the season, were quick to make a change after being dismantled by both the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Chargers, scoring a combined total of just 13 points and giving up 73.
Young, who the franchise selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is already set to be replaced just two weeks into the season.
Andy Dalton is set to start under center for Week 3 against the Raiders, and Young’s benching is the fastest a No 1 overall pick has ever lost their starting spot in the NFL.
And it appears the second-year quarterback had no forewarning of his fate with Young reportedly left blindsided.
The Carolina Panthers benched starting quarterback Bryce Young two games into the season
The former No. 1 draft pick is said to have been left shocked by the franchise’s decision
Young and those close to him are said to have been ‘very shocked’ at the franchise’s decision, Jordan Schultz reported.
The move reportedly ‘came out of nowhere’ with no one expecting the plug to be pulled just two games into a new coaching staff tenure.
Young had an awful game on Sunday against the Chargers, throwing for just 84 yards – the fourth fewest in team history.
After the game, coach Dave Canales was adamant that Young would be starting in Week 3, but those plans have changed in less than 24 hours.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Canales insisted that the decision was his, but declined to reveal how much input billionaire owner David Tepper had.
When repeatedly asked, Canales said he would ‘keep that private’ and revealed that he made the decision after watching tape of Sunday’s loss.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that head coach Canales, general manager Dan Morgan and EVP Brandt Tillis all had input in the decision, with a source saying: ‘Dave Canales’ first big-boy decision.’
Dalton last started a game in Week 3 of the 2023 season, once again replacing Young – but this time because of an ankle injury suffered by the then-rookie.
Andy Dalton will take over under center for the Panthers’ Week 3 matchup against the Raiders
Dave Canales insisted after Sunday’s loss that Young would remain his team’s starter
Young was selected No 1 overall last year and has played 18 games in his NFL career.
Dalton, meanwhile, is at the other end of his NFL career, playing for his fifth team at the age of 36.
He was drafted in 2011 by the Cincinnati Bengals, spending nine seasons with the team before moving on to Dallas.
He started nine games for the Cowboys in the Covid-affected 2020 season, before bouncing to Chicago, where he was named starter but played just two games before suffering a knee injury and ultimately being replaced by Justin Fields.
In March 2022, he signed for the Saints and became starter in Week 4 following injuries to Jameis Winston, going on to play 14 times.
Last year, he started just one game and played in three, but now has a chance to make the starting spot his own in Carolina.
The Panthers look set to be among the worst teams in the NFL again this season, following on from an awful 2-15 season in 2023.
