Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is currently going through the roughest time of an otherwise decorated journey in football. But, unsurprisingly, he’s handling that experience with poise and professionalism.
Young spoke to reporters following Thursday’s practice, his first chat with the media since officially being demoted to begin the week. The 23-year-old, who was reportedly “very shocked” and even “pissed” by his benching, was asked how he reacted to the decision.
“Not something that I was necessarily expecting. And, obviously, not something that was great to hear,” he replied. “But I respect Coach Canales, I respect the organization. They made the decision and it’s on me to put them in that situation.”
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That situation saw Young turn in a couple of underwhelming performances to kick off the 2024 season. After a disappointing rookie campaign, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick has begun his sophomore year with just 245 passing yards and three interceptions over a pair of blowout losses.
In his stead will be 36-year-old veteran Andy Dalton, who is set to start in the team’s Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Head coach Dave Canales has not specified when or even if Young will return under center at some point this season.
Either way, Young believes in himself—no matter what’s next.
“I have confidence in myself,” he later added. “Again, it’s a day-to-day thing. At the end of the day, I’m a competitor. Whenever there’s a football and there’s a field out there, I have the utmost confidence in myself.”
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