Panthers QB depth chart: Why Carolina benched Bryce Young for veteran Andy Dalton

When the Panthers selected Bryce Young No. 1 overall in 2023, they surely had better things in mind than a 2-17 record through his first 19 games with the team.

Just a year removed from a 2-15 season, Carolina has continued to struggle through two games in 2024 — especially offensively.

In Week 1, Young and the Panthers were blown out 47-10 by the Saints. In Week 2, they lost 26-3 to the Chargers. With just one touchdown and 13 total points in the first two weeks of the season, Carolina could use an immediate offensive jolt.

Now, a change at quarterback is being made ahead of Week 3.

WEEK 3 FANTASY RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers

Here's a look at the Panthers' QB depth chart, as they could turn toward their depth if Young's struggles continue.

Panthers QB depth chart

No. 1:Andy Dalton

Just two weeks into the season, and Panthers head coach Dave Canales has seen enough, making a change to QB1.

After starting Young the first two games, Andy Dalton now is the starter in Carolina. He brings 14 years of experience in the NFL to the table, including a long period as the starter for the Bengals.

While he isn't exactly in his prime at 36 years old, Dalton does have extensive experience running an NFL offense and could give Carolina's weapons some more momentum.

With the Panthers in 2023, Dalton had 361 passing yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions in a matchup with the Seahawks. Although Carolina lost that game 37-27, Dalton gave the team's offense more juice than Young has in most of his games so far.

Bryce Young, last 14 quarters:
389 pass yards, 0 TD, 3 INT

Andy Dalton @ SEA (‘23):
361 pass yards, 2TD, 0 INT

— John Ellis (@1PantherPlace) September 15, 2024

With Carolina choosing to bench Young for some time, it gives Dalton the chance to take over for the time being.

No. 2: Bryce Young

Young now is QB2 in Carolina ... for now.

Last season, Young completed just 59.8% of his passes for 2,877 yards, 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also took 62 sacks in his 16 games played.

Those were uninspiring numbers for a No. 1 overall pick, but there was hope that Young could turn it around in his second year with that experience under his belt. So far in 2024, that doesn't seem to be the case.

Young has three interceptions and zero touchdown passes through the season's first two weeks. He did run for a score in Week 1, but on Sunday vs. Los Angeles, he threw for just 84 yards and an 3.2 yards per completion.

With the young quarterback's struggles, the Panthers are electing to give him some time to develop on the sidelines, allowing the veteran Dalton to take over.

MORE: What the Panthers gave up to get Bryce Young in the NFL Draft

Bryce Young stats

Here's a look at Young's passing stats through his brief career in the NFL so far.