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 determination to bench the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner for veteran Andy Dalton does not make sense given Carolina’s standing within the division and different components.
Here is why the Panthers ought to have saved the previous Alabama star as starter:
1. Simpler upcoming schedule would have offered a great trial run
After opening towards 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 simple upcoming schedule.
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 towards 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
Via 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 like 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 isn’t sensible to compete for the division with Dalton or Younger, so why not give the youthful participant as many reps as doable
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 one of the best 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 opportunity of an early-career resurgence. Given what was spent to accumulate Younger within the 2023 NFL Draft, this looks like a untimely determination no matter what the younger signal-caller has proven.
Canales ought to be made to point out what he can do, too. In spite of everything, when requested whether or not Younger nonetheless has an opportunity to be a franchise QB, Canales mentioned, “Absolutely.”
4. No future with Dalton on the helm
Coming into his 14th season within the NFL at age 36, Dalton clearly just isn’t part of Carolina’s long-term future. He’s merely a Band-Help, 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 at the very least price seeing what he can do now. Maybe by enjoying him, he may improve his commerce worth.
5. Damaging their place in an important draft
Irrespective of who finishes out this season at quarterback for Carolina, it’s clear the Panthers will probably be available in the market for a brand new one within the 2025 NFL Draft.
If Dalton performs effectively and wins a couple of video games, he may transfer the Panthers down the draft board, hurting their odds at including an elite quarterback.
If Panthers’ followers have discovered something lately, it’s that there are not any ensures within the draft. With that being mentioned, selecting from the highest spot normally means a greater likelihood at touchdown the highest man.
Why threat that in trade for a couple of extra wins with a quarterback who will not be in Carolina long run?