Following an unexpected demotion by the Carolina Panthers just two games into the 2024 season, Bryce Young is taking ownership of the situation. The 2023 No. 1 overall pick expressed his surprise at being benched and accepted the decision with grace, showing respect for Coach Dave Canales and the organization.
“It’s not something I was necessarily expecting,” Young remarked. “Obviously, not something that was great to hear, but I respect Coach Canales, I respect the organization. They made the decision… Right now, that’s the situation that it is. I have to do everything to help the team whatever way I can.”
While some have criticized the Panthers for their swift action, NBA superstar LeBron James offered support to Young, reassuring him that the benching “ain’t on you.” Despite external opinions, Young is taking a self-reflective approach, focusing on what he could have done better to avoid being benched.
“At the end of the day, we had a ton of drives, a ton of games that I didn’t do enough during that,” Young admitted. “I look in the mirror and I take accountability for that… For the most part, every snap hit my hands and I didn’t do enough with it at the end of the day.”
The decision to bench Young after just two games has raised eyebrows, with many viewing it as a panicked move by the Panthers. There are also criticisms regarding the team’s failure to put Young in favorable situations to succeed. Canales has been under fire for asking too much of Young offensively, leading to a pass-heavy strategy despite a lack of balance with the running game.
Despite the adversity, Young is maintaining a positive outlook and embracing his new role as Andy Dalton’s backup. While fans speculate on Dalton’s potential impact on the Panthers’ offense, Young remains focused on the present and leaving his future in the hands of a higher power.
“Really, I’m a day-by-day type of person,” Young shared. “Big picture stuff, that’s out of my hands. That’s in God’s hands. Organizational stuff, that’s with the people upstairs. I’m super grateful to be part of this team, this organization. I wanna help the team any way I can, and that’s my focus.”
As Young navigates this unexpected turn in his career, the Panthers and their fans are left wondering what the future holds for the talented quarterback. Only time will tell if Young gets another chance to lead the team or if Dalton will be the key to turning the season around. The drama continues to unfold, and the football world eagerly awaits the next chapter in the Panthers’ quarterback saga.