Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, Andy Dalton was expected to be the future face of the Carolina Panthers. His college career at Alabama set the stage for what many thought would be a seamless transition into the NFL. After a series of tough performances, Bryce Young has been benched, and veteran quarterback Andy Dalton has stepped in. The big question now is: What’s next for Bryce Young?

Bryce Young’s Struggles in the NFL

Young’s NFL journey started with immense promise, but he quickly faced challenges adapting to the speed and complexity of professional defenses. Rookie quarterbacks often face steep learning curves, but the pressure on Young was immense, considering his draft position. His early struggles, including difficulty reading defenses and a lack of rhythm in the pocket, led to questions about his readiness to lead the Panthers.

Carolina’s offensive line hasn’t helped matters, and Young often found himself under intense pressure. Despite flashes of his college brilliance, inconsistencies in decision-making and execution became glaring. This led the Panthers’ coaching staff to make the difficult decision to bench him and give Andy Dalton, a veteran with years of experience, the chance to step in.

Andy Dalton Steps In The Short-Term Solution

Andy Dalton is no stranger to stepping into pressure situations. Having been a starter for teams like the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys, Dalton brings a veteran presence to a team that desperately needs stability. While Dalton may not be the long-term answer for the Panthers, his ability to manage games and provide leadership can give Carolina a chance to stabilize their offense

Dalton’s experience can offer Young a valuable learning opportunity. The veteran can help guide him through the nuances of the NFL game, giving him a mentor to lean on. By taking the pressure off Young, the Panthers may be allowing him to grow and develop behind the scenes while Dalton leads the team on the field.

What’s Next for Bryce Young?

A Chance to Learn and Grow

Bryce Young’s benching doesn’t necessarily spell disaster for his future. Many successful NFL quarterbacks have endured rough starts to their careers before finding their stride. Sitting behind a veteran like Andy Dalton could be the reset that Young needs. It will allow him to learn the ropes without the pressure of starting every game.

Developing NFL Skills

Young’s talent is undeniable, but translating college success to the NFL requires time and development. By watching Dalton, Young can better understand the pace of the game, how to handle pressure, and the importance of quick decision-making. This time on the bench may give him the perspective he needs to refine his skills and adjust to the pro level.

The Mental Reset

Being benched can also serve as a mental reset for Young. The NFL can be overwhelming for rookies, and stepping back could help him regain confidence and focus on the fundamentals of his game. With fewer immediate expectations, he can work on improving his mechanics and gaining a deeper understanding of the playbook.

The Panthers’ Long-Term Plan

While Andy Dalton is holding down the fort for now, the Panthers clearly drafted Bryce Young with the intention of making him their franchise quarterback. The coaching staff and management will be keen to ensure that Young’s development is on track. The key will be patience and a structured plan to reintegrate him into the starting lineup when he’s ready.

If Young can learn from this experience and use his time on the bench to hone his skills, there’s no reason he can’t reclaim his starting role and emerge as a future star for the Panthers. Dalton’s presence is a stopgap solution, but the Panthers will eventually hand the reins back to Young when they feel he’s prepared.

Conclusion

Bryce Young’s benching may seem like a setback, but it could be a pivotal moment in his NFL career. With Andy Dalton stepping in, Young has the opportunity to learn, grow, and refine his game without the immediate pressure of leading the team. The future remains bright for the young quarterback, and his time on the bench could be exactly what he needs to reach his potential.

As the 2024 season progresses, all eyes will be on how Young bounces back from this challenge and how Dalton’s performance impacts the team. For Panthers fans, patience will be key as the team navigates this transitional phase.