Panthers QB Andy Dalton talks about replacing Bryce Young as starter

Out with the new and in with the old!

On Monday, Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales confirmed his decision to bench struggling second-year quarterback Bryce Young after just two weeks of regular-season play. In Young’s stead will be 14th-year veteran Andy Dalton, who talked about his updated role this afternoon.

“Yeah, I’m really excited for this opportunity,” he told reporters. “When I came here, I wasn’t sure if I was gonna get another opportunity to start again. And so, I’m really looking forward to it. I’m excited about what’s ahead.”

Unfortunately, what’s ahead isn’t too exciting for Young—who has been bumped after just 18 starts in the NFL. Those 18 starts have resulted in a 2-16 mark for the Panthers, who selected the former Heisman Trophy winner with the first overall pick of the 2023 draft.

So Dalton also spoke on the rough side of the decision.

“It’s a tough situation,” he added. “I’ve been on both sides of it, and it’s hard on everybody.”

Dalton replaced Young under some different circumstances in Carolina’s Week 3 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks last season, when the rookie was dealing with an ankle injury. The three-time Pro Bowler tossed for 361 yards and two touchdowns in the 37-27 loss.