Jul 30, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws throughout coaching camp at Carolina Panthers Observe Fields. Necessary Credit score: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports activities Issues are messy in Carolina, and we’re barely midway by September.
The Carolina Panthers are 0-2 after one other blowout defeat, and so they’ve made the decision to bench Bryce Younger in favor of Andy Dalton.
In accordance with studies, this determination was made collaboratively by head coach Dave Canales, GM Dan Morgan and EVP Grant Tillis. One supply advised ESPN’s Adam Schefter that that is Canales’ “first massive boy determination.”
The Panthers drafted Younger No. 1 general 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 choose helped the Chicago Bears choose Caleb Williams No. 1 general in 2024.
However they’re already transferring on from Younger. Not less than 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 general by the Houston Texans and is already among the best quarterbacks within the NFL.
That is the quickest we’ve seen a No. 1 general quarterback benched in latest reminiscence. Whereas the Panthers are a dumpster hearth, Younger has given their brass little cause to consider.
To not point out, Canales is not any dummy. He simply watched proprietor David Tepper give the boot to Frank Reich after one season. Earlier than Reich, Matt Rhule was alleged 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 arduous 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 in all probability good for the rookie head coach.
The Panthers have a fame since Cam Newton dragged them to a Tremendous Bowl look of being, properly, 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 a minimum of hold this season afloat somewhat bit longer. You possibly can’t surrender 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 may need been set as much as fail, this wanted to occur.
For Dalton, he’ll be tasked with actually simply holding 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 completed earlier than, and the Crimson Rifle has an opportunity to develop his legend in Carolina if he can win a couple of video games… or a minimum of 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.
