Carolina Panthers Stand by Bryce Young as Franchise QB Despite Bench
ICARO Media Group
Carolina Panthers' quarterback Bryce Young was taken aback by his benching after the team's Week 2 loss to the Chargers. The Panthers have turned to veteran Andy Dalton as the starting QB. Sources within the organization suggest that there is still confidence in Young's abilities, and they anticipate him returning to the field later in the season in what could mark an early resurgence for the rookie No. 1 draft pick.
The team has no intentions of trading Young at this point, as the potential return from such a trade would likely be minimal. Despite his struggles in the early part of the season, there is a strong belief in the 23-year-old's talent within the Panthers organization. Young was the unanimous choice during the 2023 draft process, with team owner David Tepper, former coach Frank Reich, and ex-general manager Scott Fitterer all advocating for his selection.
Carolina's decision-makers quickly identified Young as their preferred quarterback during the pre-draft process, culminating in a bold move up the draft board to secure him as the top pick. Although there were challenges in finalizing the trade-up, the Panthers ultimately landed Young, heralding a new era for the team. The leadership at Carolina, including Reich and Tepper, firmly backs Young as the future of the franchise, instilling hope for his development and potential contributions in the seasons ahead.
Despite facing criticisms for his performance this season, Young remains optimistic and resilient, expressing his confidence in himself and his teammates. The Panthers are viewing Young's benching as an opportunity for him to reset and refocus on his game. While the relationship dynamics may have shifted, Carolina is committed to nurturing Young's growth and potential to lead the team to success in the future.