Let me set the scene, after the 2022 college season Bryce Young was the highest rated NCAA QB in the nation, and the consensus number one pick in the upcoming draft. The Chicago Bears hold the number one pick however they just selected QB Justin fields in the first round just two years before.
The Bears were definitely an open market when it came to the pick and they made that known to everyone. Surprisingly the Carolina Panthers picked up the phone and made a blockbuster trade to acquire the pick. Carolina sent pro bowl wide receiver DJ Moore, the 9th overall pick, the 61st pick, a 2024 first rounder and a 2025 2nd rounder. A clear overpay unless Young becomes Mahomes-like. Bryce started day one for the Panthers and played 16 of the 17 games them to an abysmal 2-15 record, which was worst in the league. That means they would hold the rights to the first pick but Chicago owns the pick, which was used to take USC star QB Caleb Williams. Being the worst team is bad but not being able to improve through the draft is worse considering the talent in the 2024 draft, oh and the fact Houston picked CJ Stroud with the second pick and he was able to lead the team to the playoffs.
Now to this year, Carolina is 0-2 and have the worst point differential if NFL history through two games. (-60) Bryce Young has looked terrible and the team looks uninspired to try let alone win. Dave Canales was brought in to be the QB whisperer and "fix" Bryce Young, but the experiment is over. Bryce Young has been benched in favor of Andy Dalton. That doesn't necessarily mean the team will win and have a good season but its a start.
By no means do I think Bryce's career is over, it might not be over on the Panthers. We've seen QBs get benched in the past and come back in relief of an injury or just to provide a spark for the team. Unfortunately a change of scenery would probably benefit Young, and its only unfortunate to the Panthers because not only will they owe him a percentage of his contract until 2028 they still owe the Bears their 2025 2nd round pick.
This Panthers team is not as terrible as the stats show and I think Andy Dalton can provide a spark and ignite this team into a couple wins, starting with the Raiders game this Sunday. Vegas is in a huge let down spot after beating Baltimore late in the game. Andy Dalton will get Adam Thielen and Johnathon Mingo involved more and more importantly can see over the offensive line. I think the Panthers surprise everyone and get a winning streak going.
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