Jul 30, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws throughout coaching camp at Carolina Panthers Observe Fields. Obligatory Credit score: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports activities Issues are messy in Carolina, and we’re barely midway by way of September.
The Carolina Panthers are 0-2 after one other blowout defeat, they usually’ve made the decision to bench Bryce Younger in favor of Andy Dalton.
In keeping with reviews, this resolution was made collaboratively by head coach Dave Canales, GM Dan Morgan and EVP Grant Tillis. One supply instructed ESPN’s Adam Schefter that that is Canales’ “first huge boy resolution.”
The Panthers drafted Younger No. 1 total within the 2023 NFL Draft. Throughout his rookie season, Younger had only a few encouraging moments. Carolina solely gained two video games, and their draft decide helped the Chicago Bears choose Caleb Williams No. 1 total in 2024.
However they’re already shifting on from Younger. A minimum of for now.
At simply five-foot-ten inches, there have been main query marks about Younger’s skillset translating to the NFL earlier than the Panthers even chosen him. So as to add insult to damage, the Panthers handed on Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, who was drafted No. 2 total by the Houston Texans and is already among the finest quarterbacks within the NFL.
That is the quickest we’ve seen a No. 1 total quarterback benched in current reminiscence. Whereas the Panthers are a dumpster fireplace, Younger has given their brass little motive to consider.
To not point out, Canales isn’t any dummy. He simply watched proprietor David Tepper give the boot to Frank Reich after one season. Earlier than Reich, Matt Rhule was imagined to be the savior in Carolina, and he was canned after two seasons regardless of a large seven-year contract price over $70 million.
It’s exhausting to say that the clock is ticking on Canales, who’s simply two video games into his head teaching profession after turning round Baker Mayfield’s profession throughout his time as offensive coordinator with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However he’s not losing any time with Younger, and that’s most likely good for the rookie head coach.
The Panthers have a status since Cam Newton dragged them to a Tremendous Bowl look of being, effectively, not essentially the most purposeful group. Canales doesn’t need to see his gamers throw within the towel simply two weeks into an extended NFL season.
When requested if he nonetheless has the respect of the locker room, Canales gave a bizarre response.
“That’s a loaded query proper there.”
The Panthers did what they needed to do to at the very least maintain this season afloat just a little bit longer. You possibly can’t quit on guys three weeks into the season, however Younger has been an unmitigated catastrophe for the reason that day he walked in that facility. Whereas he might need been set as much as fail, this wanted to occur.
For Dalton, he’ll be tasked with actually simply protecting the automotive on the street. Joe Flacco took the Cleveland Browns to the playoffs final season. Sam Darnold has the Minnesota Vikings buzzing offensively. It’s been performed earlier than, and the Pink Rifle has an opportunity to develop his legend in Carolina if he can win just a few video games… or at the very least look competent on the market.
Since departing the Cincinnati Bengals, Dalton has began video games for the Panthers, Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints. He’ll journey to Las Vegas for a showdown with the Raiders in Week 3.
