What a tangled web they have woven. Carolina Panthers first-year coach Dave Canales said he “absolutely” has all the faith in the world that Bryce Young can still be a franchise-level quarterback, adding that the team has no plans to trade the 2023 No. 1 overall pick after unceremoniously benching him on Monday.
“That’s not something we are really considering,” Canales said of the rampant trade speculation swirling around Young. “We have a great situation with our quarterbacks right now with guys that have experience. We love where we are at and it’s all hands on deck.”
14-year veteran Andy Dalton, aka ‘The Red Rifle’, will start Sunday’s Week 3 game at Las Vegas.
The 36-year-old journeyman quarterback, out of CCU, walked out to the practice field with a pep in his step on Wednesday and beaming with pride, stopping along the way to sign a football for a fan. He took all of the first-team reps while Young was demoted to running the scout team. How far he has fallen in such a short time.
Canales noted that there was no change in Young’s demeanor and approached practice with the same professional manner he has all season.
“He went right back to work,” Canales said. “Dove into the game plan. We had our conversations in the QB room just going around and talking about reads and what we see from the defense. He followed that up with a great day on the field with some great throws. It was exactly what I expected of him.”
Young, who has posted a record of 2-16 as a starter, will serve as the team’s backup quarterback, holding a clip board for the first time in his career.
The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner did not speak to the media during the team’s open locker room session following his demotion.
Running back Miles Sanders, who was benched last year in Carolina, offered his support for Young.
“Anyone who gets benched isn’t going to feel right,” Sanders said. “If anyone knows what he is going through, it’s me. But it’s definitely not over for him. He’s still a young quarterback and he is definitely going to get another opportunity. I would say keep your head down and keep working and learn from it.”
The Panthers (0-2) are looking for an offensive spark and signs of life after being outscored by 60 points, 73-13 in two games, including 53-3 in the first half.
Young has struggled mightily with his decision-making ability and accuracy, something he was praised for in college at the University of Alabama, throwing three picks and no touchdown passes. The Panthers are 2 of 12 on third down conversions.
Embed from Getty ImagesDalton is no stranger to this. He has gone through both sides of the quarterback equation during his 14-year NFL career, at times being benched for unproductive play and other times called on to replace a struggling starter.
He said Young is handling the situation well.
“Bryce has been awesome,” Dalton said. “It’s a tough situation on everybody. I have a different perspective because I have felt it on both sides. … It’s hard, it’s tough, but you find the little things that you can focus on to get better and you continue to do what you can do. You focus on what you can control and the rest will take care of itself.”
Panthers veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen, could not hide his feeling and expressed some frustration during the team’s 26-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday when he screamed into the air during the game, said players still believe in Young.
“The teammate he is, the player he is, the coaches and players all feel the same way,” Thielen said. “This was just their decision that they felt this was the best thing that would help us win, give us a chance on Sunday. As players you just show up and give your best effort.
“We also love Andy,” he added.
Dalton threw for 361 yards and two touchdowns in his only start in 2023 for the injured Young, although the Panthers lost 37-27 at Seattle. He is 83-78-2 as an NFL starter during his career with 246 touchdown passes and 144 interceptions.
Canales said Dalton looked sharp in his first practice with the ones and did a good job of getting the team in and out of the huddle. He is optimistic that Dalton’s experience pays off against what he called a “sophisticated” Raiders defense.
“It’s super valuable,” Canales said. “It really helps against some of the things that they have been doing.”
The Panthers have been unable to create chunk plays down the field this season and Canales, who is also the team’s offensive play-caller, said that needs to change in a hurry.
“We need to be more aggressive on offense,” Canales said.
