Panthers HC Dave Canales asked if he'll bench Bryce Young for Andy Dalton

Between Sunday’s boo birds and chants for Andy Dalton, Bryce Young doesn’t seem to be the preferred choice under center for Carolina Panthers fans right now. But they don’t get to make the decisions there, head coach Dave Canales does.

Canales spoke with reporters following his team’s 26-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, where Young struggled mightily for the second straight outing to start the 2024 campaign. He was asked if he’s considered benching the 2023 No. 1 overall pick for the veteran backup in Dalton.

“Bryce is our quarterback,” Canales replied. “I’d love to see this thing just continue to take the next steps offensively right now.”

Young seemingly took some steps back in Week 2, as he notched a new career-low in passing yards per attempt (3.2). On top of mustering up just 84 yards through the air, the 23-year-old threw another head-scratching interception—already his third of the young season.

As the 0-2 Panthers head into Week 3, the offense has totaled just one touchdown and converted on only two of their 22 third-down tries. So Canales was then asked if Young will be starting next Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.

“Bryce is our quarterback,” he said. “We’re gonna just continue to shore up and fix the things we need to—fundamentally, from a scheme standpoint, all those things. These are all valuable reps, these are all valuable games, we’ll learn a lot from this game and hopefully we’ll take another step this week.”

The Panthers are now 2-16 in games started by Young.