Earlier this week, the Carolina Panthers benched ineffective second-year quarterback Bryce Younger, who’s 2-16 as a starter and has accomplished simply 59.3% of his passes for his profession, effectively under common.
Even with a bolstered offense round him, Younger has struggled for the Panthers (0-2), who’ve been outscored 73-13.
However the resolution to bench the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner for veteran Andy Dalton does not make sense given Carolina’s standing within the division and different elements.
Here is why the Panthers ought to have stored the previous Alabama star as starter:
1. Simpler upcoming schedule would have supplied a superb trial run
After opening in opposition to surprisingly robust New Orleans Saints squad — one which crushed the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2 — and the rising Los Angeles Chargers, the Panthers have a relatively straightforward upcoming schedule.Â
Over the the following six weeks, Carolina performs on the Las Vegas Raiders (Sept. 22), vs. Cincinnati Bengals (Sept. 29), at Chicago Bears (Oct. 6), vs. Atlanta Falcons (Oct. 13), at Washington Commanders (Oct. 20) and at Denver Broncos (Oct. 27). The Broncos have seemed dreadful, scoring solely 26 factors.
Carolina in all probability will not be favored in opposition to any of those groups, however the obvious step down in competitors would have been a great way to gauge Younger’s progress.
2. An NFC South title is unattainable
By two weeks of play, the Panthers’ three divisional rivals are a mixed 5-1. The Saints have scored 91 factors in two video games, the Buccaneers appear to be title contenders and the Falcons simply pulled off a “Monday Evening Soccer” upset in Philadelphia.
Provided that Carolina’s competitors seems so stiff inside its division, a playoff run is a pipe dream, because it in all probability was earlier than the season anyway. It is not reasonable to compete for the division with Dalton or Younger, so why not give the youthful participant as many reps as potential
3. Counting out Canales too early
First-year head coach Dave Canales made a reputation for himself within the NFL by revitalizing the careers of struggling quarterbacks. He managed to get the perfect out of Geno Smith as QB coach in Seattle and with Baker Mayfield as offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay, taking them from borderline backups to viable starters.
Benching Younger simply two weeks into his time with Canales eliminates the potential for an early-career resurgence. Given what was spent to amass Younger within the 2023 NFL Draft, this appears like a untimely resolution no matter what the younger signal-caller has proven.Â
Canales needs to be made to indicate what he can do, too. In any case, when requested whether or not Younger nonetheless has an opportunity to be a franchise QB, Canales stated, “Completely.”
4. No future with Dalton on the helm
Getting into his 14th season within the NFL at age 36, Dalton clearly will not be part of Carolina’s long-term future. He’s merely a Band-Assist, put in place till a greater different is discovered.
Given the truth that Carolina faces, there’s no want for a brief repair. It’s unlikely that Younger finally ends up being a franchise participant, nevertheless it’s not less than value seeing what he can do now. Maybe by taking part in him, he might improve his commerce worth.
5. Damaging their place in a vital draft
Regardless of who finishes out this season at quarterback for Carolina, it’s clear the Panthers will seemingly be available in the market for a brand new one within the 2025 NFL Draft.Â
If Dalton performs effectively and wins just a few video games, he might transfer the Panthers down the draft board, hurting their odds at including an elite quarterback.
If Panthers’ followers have realized something lately, it’s that there aren’t any ensures within the draft. With that being stated, choosing from the highest spot often means a greater probability at touchdown the highest man.Â
Why threat that in alternate for just a few extra wins with a quarterback who will not be in Carolina long run?
