The Carolina Panthers’ decision to bench quarterback Bryce Young was a surprise to many, perhaps even to Young himself.
On Monday, the team opted to bump the struggling second-year passer after just the second game of the 2024 campaign. Shortly after the news broke courtesy of NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, ESPN’s David Newton posted the following to Twitter/X:
A league source told me Panthers’ quarterback Bryce Young didn’t see the decision by coach Dave Canales to bench him coming.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) September 16, 2024
Newton’s sentiment would later be seconded by this report from league insider Jordan Schultz . . .
Sources: #Panthers QB Bryce Young and those close to him were “very shocked” at the organization’s decision to bench him this morning. “It came out of nowhere,” one source said.
Safe to say no one anticipated the plug being pulled after just two games with a new coaching staff. pic.twitter.com/OAuu0P4Oc8
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 16, 2024
Head coach Dave Canales spoke on the decision this afternoon. He declined to provide details regarding his discussion with Young.
Young, who has started 18 games since being drafted with the No. 1 overall pick in 2023, will give way to 36-year-old veteran Andy Dalton beginning in Week 3.
