Panthers HC Dave Canales speaks on decision to bench QB Bryce Young

Dave Canales was hired to help the Carolina Panthers win as many games as possible. And for now, that means benching the biggest investment the organization has ever made.

The first-year head coach made his first serious decision on Monday, opting to bench struggling second-year quarterback Bryce Young in favor of veteran Andy Dalton beginning in Week 3. He spoke about the shocking move this afternoon.

“After yesterday—just went home, watched the film, had some conversations with coaches, with Dan [Morgan], Brandt [Tilis],” he stated. “So, had to gather a lot of information through this morning and made that decision after looking at it—that this is the best decision for our group, for our team going forward.”

Carolina’s offense has failed to get off the ground to open the 2024 season, as they’ve totaled just 13 points and converted on two of 22 third-down attempts between their two losses. Young has completed just over 55 percent of his passes for 245 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions.

Canales continued.

“A lot of factors that go into it, for this decision,” he added. “And ultimately, it just kinda lands on my shoulders to be able to make the best decision for our group to give us our chance, our best chance to win this week. And we focus on the weeks, we focus on the challenge at hand. And we feel like Andy gives us our best chance to meet the challenge.”

Dalton started in place of an injured Young in Week 3 of the 2023 season. That outing saw the former Pro Bowler pass for 361 yards, more than Young has reached in any of his 18 career starts.