Report reveals Bryce Young’s reaction to being benched

Sep 18, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) warms up before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The Carolina Panthers have decided to move on from Bryce Young for the time being, and it does not sound like the former first overall pick had any idea he was in danger of losing his starting job.

Young has been benched heading into Week 3 in favor of veteran Andy Dalton. According to Jordan Schultz, Young and those close to the quarterback were “very shocked” by the decision.

Sources: #Panthers QB Bryce Young and those close to him were “very shocked” at the organization’s decision to bench him this morning. “It came out of nowhere,” one source said.

Safe to say no one anticipated the plug being pulled after just two games with a new coaching staff. pic.twitter.com/OAuu0P4Oc8

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 16, 2024

Young went 18/26 for just 84 yards in Sunday’s 26-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The former No. 1 overall pick set an unflattering record in the game.

Believe it or not, Young’s performance on Sunday was better overall than how he played in Week 1. The former Alabama star went 13/30 for 161 yards, no touchdowns and 2 interceptions in a season-opening blowout loss to the New Orleans Saints. Dave Canales was asked after that game about the possibility of benching Young. The first-year Panthers coach responded by speaking about the importance of experience, which made it seem like Young was in no danger of losing his job.

Canales is a former quarterbacks coach, so the hope was that he could help turn things around for Young after a disastrous rookie season. You can understand why Young believed he’d get more than two games to prove himself under the new regime.

Some have wondered if the decision to bench Young came from ownership, but Canales seemed to put that speculation to rest.