The Carolina Panthers have made it clear they still believe in the long-term potential of former No. 1 draft pick Bryce Young. But for now, the second-year quarterback will take a seat behind grizzled veteran Andy Dalton, who will take over the Panthers' starting duties under center heading into the Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Young spoke with the media Thursday for the first time since his demotion was announced earlier this week following an ugly 0–2 start to the 2024 campaign.
"I don't think that's up for me to decide," Young said of the Panthers' decision to bench him. "There's a lot of plays that last year and these first two games, for the most part every snap hit my hands. And I didn't do it at the end of the day. I take accountability for that. ... There's a long list of things that I wish I was better at. And I'm going to continue to work to grow and improve on and be better at [them].
"I'm always going to look in the mirror. ... Everyone is dealing with something, everyone has circumstances. If I went out there and played better and we won games, at the end of the day that falls on me that that didn't happen, and we wouldn't be having this conversation."
I asked Bryce Young if he thought he was given enough time by the #Panthers:
— Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWCNC) September 19, 2024
"Every snap hit my hands, and I didn't do enough with it ...I'm always going to look in the mirror...if I went out there and played better and we won games we wouldn't be having this conversation." pic.twitter.com/3jjdcNAqSD
Young's rookie campaign in 2023 didn't go as planned. He threw for just one more touchdown (11) than interceptions (10) and was sacked 62 times while the Panthers lost all but two of his 16 starts.
The 2024 season got off to a rough start, too. Through two games, Young threw for 245 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions on 31-of-56 passing—good for a 44.1 passer rating.
Those poor stats—and the Panthers' 23-point loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and 37-point loss to the New Orleans Saints—led to Carolina opting to to trot Dalton out under center in Week 3.
NFL fans loved Young's response to getting benched:
Individuals with this mindset and outlook on life will ulitmately be successful in whatever they do. 🫡 #BryceFanForever
— Rob Thompson (@RobMThompson) September 19, 2024
I like this response. I want him to do well
— Jacob Wenzel (@JacobWenzel_) September 19, 2024
Great response
— Justin (@Justin__NC) September 19, 2024
Bryce Young is a man of high character. He's saying all the right things, but I believe he says what he means. https://t.co/ZRZC9jai1B
— Keep Purring Podcast (Ben) (@KeepPurringBen) September 19, 2024
The Panthers and Raiders are scheduled to kick off their Week 3 matchup at 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday at Allegiant Stadium.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as NFL Fans Loved Bryce Young's Classy Response to Getting Benched by Panthers.
