Panthers head coach Dave Canales has openly criticized rookie quarterback Bryce Young following a standout performance by veteran Andy Dalton. After the Panthers secured their first win of the season with Dalton leading the offense, Canales didn’t hold back in his assessment of Young’s early struggles.
Dalton, stepping in for the benched Young, delivered a commanding performance, sparking an offensive surge that had been lacking in the team’s previous games. Canales acknowledged the difference in execution and intensity, highlighting areas where Young had fallen short. While the decision to start Dalton proved successful, Canales’ critique raises questions about the future of Bryce Young as the Panthers’ starting quarterback.
Dalton’s impressive performance included completing 26 of 37 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns, connecting with Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen, and Chuba Hubbard for scores. This marked a stark contrast to the Panthers’ earlier offensive struggles with Young, who led the team to just 13 total points over the first two games. In Dalton’s first start, the Panthers exploded for 36 points in a win over the Las Vegas Raiders—Carolina’s first time scoring 30 points or more since December of last year.
Although the Raiders’ defense had allowed over 300 yards of offense in each of their first three games, the Panthers offense, led by Dalton, looked sharper and more dynamic than it had in the previous two weeks.
Panthers head coach Dave Canales initially hadn’t planned to bench Bryce Young after their loss to the Chargers. However, upon reviewing game footage, Canales made the difficult decision, believing it would give the team the best chance to win. The result: a crucial victory that lifted the team’s morale.
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While the Panthers haven’t ruled out Young entirely, it’s clear the team wasn’t performing at their desired level with him as the starting quarterback. For Canales, a first-year head coach under pressure to deliver results quickly, the decision to bench Young wasn’t easy. With the organization known for its quick turnover of head coaches, Canales understands that failing to win could jeopardize his tenure with the team.
Now, with their first win in the books, the Panthers turn their attention to their Week 4 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, hoping to build on Dalton’s strong performance.
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