Maybe there is a fire in Bryce Young’s belly after all.
On Monday, Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales announced his decision to bench the struggling second-year quarterback after a disappointing start to the 2024 season. Last year’s No. 1 overall pick, who threw for just 245 yards and three interceptions in the team’s two losses to begin the campaign, will now take a backseat to 14th-year veteran Andy Dalton.
And Young, who’s known for his calm and even-keeled temperament, may not be too happy about it. In fact, he might be a bit ticked off.
Here’s what ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler had to reveal about the situation on Wednesday morning:
First, Young was not only shocked by the decision but also upset. “He’s pissed,” a source said. And that’s understandable, given the quick hook. But the decision goes beyond the poor play through two games. The Panthers saw a tentative quarterback whose confidence was clearly affected. The receivers were growing frustrated. So the Panthers weighed this question: Can they wait for Young’s confidence to return or will the continued poor play of the offense risk losing the team?
Carolina’s offense, much like during Young’s rookie season, has fallen flat. The unit has amassed just one touchdown and converted on only two of their 22 third-down attempts thus far.
That failure bred some frustration from multiple members of the group during this past Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Most notably, wide receiver Adam Thielen was seen shouting near the sideline after Young took a sack in the third quarter of the 26-3 defeat.
Fowler continues.
Fiery is not Young’s style. And while his poise was considered a strength coming out of Alabama and still can be one, his calm demeanor can be portrayed by some as a lack of urgency — which can be tough for a young team finding its way. All of this brought Carolina to an axiom that’s largely true in sports: Decisions that will be made eventually should be made now. The Panthers couldn’t afford the growing pains at this stage.
He also adds that he does not sense an imminent trade of Young.
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