Panthers Coach Facing Intense Backlash Over Bryce Young Admission

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales is facing intense scrutiny after he explained why he chose to play Bryce Young during their Week 5 game against the Chicago Bears.

After Young started and struggled in their first two games of the season, Canales benched him in favor of veteran quarterback Andy Dalton. The 2023 No. 1 overall pick didn't play in Weeks 3 and 4, but he found himself coming in as a substitute during Sunday's blowout loss to the Bears.

Late in the second half of the Week 5 contest, Canales put in Young with the game out of reach. The 23-year-old signal-caller proceeded to throw for 58 yards on 4-of-7 pass completion as they endure a 36-10 defeat.

Many thought that it was Canales' way to give Young another shot at the position and prove himself. However, the Panthers coach's reason might actually be not that pure.

Speaking to reporters postgame, Canales admitted that he took out Dalton because he's concerned for their starting quarterback amid the slew of injuries to the offensive line.

"We had a couple of injuries on the offensive line and again, just like wanting to get him in there to get some live reps," Canales said of the decision to let Dalton sit out and play Young, per Joe Person of The Athletic.

"With the different things happening on the offensive line, it was something that where I wanted to get Andy out of there."

Sure enough, several fans took issue with Canales' statement. Many interpreted it as the Panthers coach saying he'd rather put Young in such a dangerous and tough situation over Dalton.

"Not 'for experience.' Not 'to see what he can do after time off.' Just as a punching bag to protect the 36 year old bridge QB," a commenter said.

Another one shared, "He could’ve had so many better answers. This is not one of them."

"Aight, this may be the dumbest answer he could have come up with," a critic added.

A social media user shared, "Horrid answer. Good to see Bryce make a couple plays."

"So let’s risk hurting our #1 pick. Yeah Dave, you sound like Matt Rhule more and more," a fifth detractor shared.

"So let’s kill our number one pick. Genius," a disappointed fan further said.

Dave Canales might have simply worded his message poorly, but as a head coach, he should have known better how to answer the media.

It's definitely not a good look for him or the Panthers organization, especially amid the backlash they have been getting since giving up on Bryce Young early. Canales' latest comments will likely be used against him as calls for the Young to leave the team intensify.

Related: Calls Mount for Panthers To Make Final Bryce Young Decision After Latest Rumor