Following a tough 26-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales initially stood by Bryce Young as the team’s quarterback. “Bryce Young is our quarterback,” Canales said at the post-game press conference.
However, by Monday afternoon, the coach had a change of heart. Canales announced that veteran Andy Dalton will start at quarterback when the Panthers face the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
After reviewing the game footage, Canales explained his decision to make the switch. “This is the best decision for our team moving forward,” he stated. “There are a lot of factors that go into a decision like this, but ultimately, it’s my responsibility to make the call that gives us the best chance to win this week. After considering everything, we believe Andy gives us the best opportunity to succeed.”
The loss to the Chargers followed a difficult 47-10 defeat in the season opener against the New Orleans Saints on September 8. In two games, Young has struggled, completing 31 of 56 passes for 245 yards, with no touchdowns and three interceptions. He’s also been sacked six times. Although he scored a rushing touchdown, the rookie quarterback has been unable to generate much offensive momentum.
Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner from Alabama, was the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Panthers gave up a significant package to secure Young, trading wide receiver D.J. Moore and several draft picks, including first- and third-round selections, to the Chicago Bears.
In his rookie season, Young completed 315 of 527 passes for 2,877 yards, throwing 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions across 16 games. The Panthers finished with a 2-15 record, with Young missing one game due to an ankle injury. His 73.7 passer rating ranked last among starting quarterbacks in 2023, and he was sacked 62 times.
The Panthers underwent a coaching change after a disappointing 2023 campaign, firing head coach Frank Reich just 11 games into the season. Canales, previously the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was hired in the offseason to rejuvenate the team, along with an overhauled offensive coaching staff.
Despite these changes, the Panthers’ offense has continued to struggle, managing only 13 points and 352 yards in their first two games of 2024, with a dismal 2-of-22 conversion rate on third down.
“I take this personally,” Canales admitted. “But my role here is to build a culture and a football team that plays with a certain identity. My top priority is helping the Panthers win, and that’s what this decision is about.”
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