After the Carolina Panthers benched quarterback Bryce Young following their second game of the season, several NFL reporters suggested that his future with the team was essentially over. However, in a recent article, The Athletic’s Jim Trotter revealed details of a conversation between Young and Panthers president of football operations/general manager Dan Morgan after Young was demoted to QB2. Although Morgan was Carolina’s assistant GM when the Panthers selected Young in the 2023 NFL Draft, he could easily distance himself from that decision. Meanwhile, Panthers head coach Dave Canales, who was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator at the time of Young’s selection, has since taken over as head coach.
Since rejoining the starting lineup in Week 8, Young has posted a 2-3 record, completing approximately 60.4% of his passes for 1,082 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions. Over those five games, he also rushed for 82 yards and one touchdown on 15 carries. It’s worth noting that Young could have one more win to his name had his defense not faltered late in regulation during a narrow overtime loss to the Buccaneers last Sunday. Reports this week have highlighted Young’s improved confidence in his throws and his better management of the offense. Additionally, at 23, Young has been working on becoming more vocal, showing greater command, and demonstrating increased urgency.
When the Panthers hired Canales to help Young recover from a difficult rookie season, few could have predicted that benching the second-year quarterback would be viewed as a part of his growth. This week, the Panthers will face the 10-2 Philadelphia Eagles, a game that, on paper, looks like a significant challenge for Carolina. How Young performs in this tough matchup at Lincoln Financial Field could determine whether he regresses to his early-season struggles or continues to build on his progress as the season heads into its final weeks.