2 weeks Ago
NFL fans weren't the only ones surprised to learn of the Carolina Panthers benching Bryce Young. Panthers head coach Dave Canales confirmed Monday that Andy Dalton will start their Week 3 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Last year's No.
1 pick moves to a backup role following two lopsided losses. The move reportedly caught Young off guard. According to Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz , Young and his inner circle were "very shocked" by the benching.
"It came out of nowhere," a source told Schultz. Eakin Howard/Getty Images Canales probably added to that shock when standing by Young after Sunday's 26-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. He declared in his post-game press conference that "Bryce is our quarterback," only to reverse course the following day.
"This is something after I watched the film," Canales said Monday, via ESPN . "I looked at it, had a thought, and started on talking to the guys that we make decisions with. Certainly a lot of parties involved there, and ultimately this comes on me.
My No. 1 responsibility is to help the Panthers win, and so this move puts us in the best chance to do that." The Panthers have won two just two games since drafting Young last year.
Young has commenced his sophomore season with three interceptions, 4.4 yards per pass attempt, and a 44.1 quarterback rating.
Despite his poor play, it's unexpected for a new coach to bench the previous year's top pick in September for a 36-year-old veteran. It'd be somewhat surprising if the Panthers don't give another chance this season before re-evaluating their quarterback situation. Related: The Panthers Have Changed Their Mind On Bryce Young.
