In a shocking move, Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales has made the decision to bench quarterback Bryce Young and start veteran Andy Dalton for their upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Sources close to the situation confirmed the news to NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero on Monday.

With an 0-2 start to the season, Canales carefully analyzed the game tape and concluded that a change was necessary. He emphasized that he chose Dalton because he believed the veteran gave the team the best chance of winning in the upcoming matchup.

Canales spoke to the media, expressing his dedication to making critical decisions for the team each week. He acknowledged the importance of evaluating the team's performance and ensuring that he was making choices in the best interest of the Panther's success.

Bryce Young, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has struggled since entering the league. Despite his potential, it is surprising to see him benched this early in his career, with only 18 starts under his belt.

The Panthers have faced two overwhelming defeats since Canales took charge. After a Week 1 loss against the New Orleans Saints, they suffered a 26-3 defeat at home against the L.A. Chargers. Their offense has been lackluster, only managing to score a total of 13 points in both games.

Young's performances have been underwhelming, with 245 passing yards, three interceptions, zero touchdowns, and a completion percentage of 55.4% through the first two weeks. In his most recent game, he recorded a career-low of 84 passing yards with an interception.

Following Sunday's game, Canales initially stated that Young would remain the team's starting quarterback. However, after thoroughly reviewing the film, he made the decision to start Dalton, citing the need for the offense to perform at its best in the upcoming game.

Ever since his arrival in Carolina, Young has struggled to find his rhythm. Hindered by a porous offensive line, he has shown signs of inconsistency, panic in the pocket, and poor decision-making. Unfortunately, his performance has not improved in the early stages of the 2024 season.

The Panthers invested heavily in improving the quarterback situation during the offseason. They strengthened the offensive line, traded for Diontae Johnson, and selected Xavier Legette in the first round of the draft. However, these efforts have not translated into on-field success.

Canales, known for his expertise in working with quarterbacks, had success in revitalizing the careers of Geno Smith in Seattle and Baker Mayfield in Tampa. Based on his evaluation, he believes Dalton is the better option at this point in time. However, he did not disclose whether this change would be temporary or permanent.

The future path for the team and Young remains uncertain. It is possible that Canales needs to identify the working components of the offense, which may be difficult with a struggling quarterback. The decision to temporarily bench Young could be a way to provide him with an opportunity to regroup and develop his skills. The question that lingers is when, or if, the former No. 1 pick will regain his starting position.