Bernie WilsonUpdated on: October 12, 2024 8:49 am GMT
The Carolina Panthers are facing a crisis as they prepare to bench rookie quarterback Bryce Young after a dismal start to his NFL career. Fans are left to wonder—has the decision to draft Young with the first overall pick become one of the biggest blunders in league history? With only two wins in his first 18 games, the team must now confront the implications of their choices and what comes next.
The Bench Decision: Why Now?
The Panthers opened their season with an unsatisfactory 0-2 record, prompting the decision to bench Young. Second-string quarterback Andy Dalton is set to take the reins as the team seeks a spark. This change raises essential questions about Young’s future and the direction of the franchise.
The Panthers had high hopes for Young, selected first overall in the 2023 NFL Draft out of the University of Alabama. However, his numbers so far are far from impressive. Young’s record stands at 2-16, which places him among the lowest win percentages for starting quarterbacks in NFL history. A closer look shows:
- Current Record: 2 Wins, 16 Losses
- Win Percentage: 11.1%
- Key Comparison: Third-worst win percentage by a quarterback since 1950 with a minimum of 15 starts.
What Went Wrong?
The Panthers gave up a treasure trove of assets to acquire Young, believing they had secured their franchise quarterback for years to come. The deal with the Chicago Bears included:
- 2023 first-round pick (No. 1 overall)
- 2023 first-round pick (No. 9 overall)
- 2023 second-round pick
In retrospect, the ramifications of this trade are sizable. While the Panthers chose Young, the Bears used their picks on key players—most notably:
- Darnell Wright: Offensive tackle who started all 17 games as a rookie.
- Tyrique Stevenson: Cornerback who started 16 games, making 16 pass breakups and 4 interceptions.
These players have made significant contributions, showcasing the opportunity costs associated with selecting Young.
The Stroud Factor: A Bitter Comparison
The Panthers’ situation is made worse when comparing Young’s performance to that of C.J. Stroud, the quarterback selected immediately after him by the Houston Texans. Stroud delivered a remarkable rookie season, breaking multiple franchise records and leading his team to an AFC South title and a playoff win. The contrast in their performances is stark:
- C.J. Stroud’s Rookie Achievements:
– NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
– New franchise rookie records in passing yards, touchdowns, and completions.
While Young was expected to lead Carolina into the future, Stroud’s early success raises questions about the Panthers’ evaluation process during the draft.
Left Empty-Handed
The Panthers’ failure doesn’t stop at the quarterback position. By missing out on Stroud, they also relinquished the opportunity to draft Caleb Williams, another potential superstar. The Bears acquired this selection after the Panthers ended the previous season with the worst record in the league. Williams, who captured the Heisman Trophy at the University of Southern California, is viewed as a generational talent.
This development highlights the severity of Carolina’s miscalculation. The Panthers not only face the possibility of having chosen the wrong quarterback but also have put themselves in a position to miss out on a promising prospect who could drastically change their future.
The Road Ahead for Carolina
With Bryce Young benched, the Panthers must urgently reassess their strategy. The organization faces critical decisions in the upcoming draft and free agency, especially regarding how to approach the quarterback position moving forward. Key considerations include:
- Evaluate Young’s Progress: The Panthers need to determine if Young can bounce back or if they need a new direction.
- Future Draft Strategies: Carolina must work to secure a better standing that allows them a shot at emerging quarterback talents.
- Coaching Adjustments: The organization may need a coaching overhaul to better develop young quarterbacks.
Despite the challenges, the Panthers have room to reshape their identity. The upcoming draft will be pivotal as they navigate through troubling waters.
Conclusion: A Crucial Crossroads
The Carolina Panthers are now turning to Andy Dalton as their quarterback, which raises questions about Bryce Young’s future with the team. The Panthers need to think carefully about their choices and learn from what has happened before so they can make better decisions in the future. Fans are feeling unsure about what will happen next, and the team is at an important point that could shape its future for a long time.
