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    • What’s next for QB, Carolina Panthers?
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    What’s next for QB, Carolina Panthers?

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    Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales announced that quarterback Bryce Young will be benched after another disappointing performance in the team’s 26-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2.

    Canales told reporters he decided to demote Young in favor of veteran QB Andy Dalton after watching footage of the Panthers’ loss.

    In Carolina’s Week 2 home opener, Young had just 84 passing yards, which was tied for the fourth-fewest passing yards in team history for a quarterback with at least 25 pass attempts. The Panthers had four straight three-and-outs to start the game and didn’t earn a first down until the second quarter.

    The Panthers (0-2) were booed several times by home fans at Bank of America Stadium during the loss.

    Young’s benching is a new low for the quarterback, who has had a frustrating start to his NFL career. His benching comes at a time when he has a disastrous 44.1 passer rating this season and a career record of 2-16 as a starter.

    “I owe it to all the guys, the coaches, the staff, the players, everybody involved to really be critical of what we put on film, what I see,” Canales said. “To make sure I’m making the best decision for the team every week, and that happens to be the quarterback position.”

    USA TODAY Sports examines what the future holds for the Panthers and Young:

    Short-term solution: Andy Dalton

    Dalton takes over for a Panthers team that is 0-2 for the second time in as many seasons. The 36-year-old quarterback is an experienced player, but at this point in his career, he is a seasoned quarterback.

    The 14-year veteran will likely serve as a bridge between Carolina’s next quarterback or a potential return of Young to the starting lineup.

    “I just know Andy gives us the best chance to win right now. His resume speaks for itself,” Canales said Monday. “He’s an experienced player. He’s got a lot of football in his history. So I’m excited for Andy with this opportunity, and I believe he gives us the best chance to win this week.”

    The longtime Bengals QB spent his first nine NFL seasons in Cincinnati. He’s also had coffee breaks with the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints. He’s racked up 38,511 passing yards, 246 touchdowns and 144 interceptions in 170 career games (163 starts).

    What’s next for Bryce Young?

    Young’s performance after two weeks suggests the quarterback has lost confidence. He has a 55.4% completion percentage, no touchdowns and three interceptions. He is averaging just 122 passing yards.

    Young’s numbers show he has regressed from a lackluster rookie season in which he had a 59.8% pass completion rate, 11 touchdowns, 10 interceptions and an average of 179 passing yards per game.

    Canales said there were “a lot of factors” that went into the decision to bench Young. But Young’s benching was deserved. The quarterback has struggled to read defenses and appears overwhelmed.

    The demotion could motivate Young, who has the chance to learn from an experienced quarterback in Dalton and slowly regain his confidence.

    But Young’s benching raises questions about his future in Carolina. Will Young return later this season? Will he sit out the rest of the year? Or will Young get a fresh start elsewhere?

    In addition, concerns remain about Young’s 5-foot-10 height and slim build.

    What’s next for the Panthers?

    Canales declined to answer questions about Young’s playing status going forward or the quarterback’s future in Carolina. The coach said the team is “focused” on the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3.

    “Right now, we’re focused on this week. We’re focused on getting Andy ready to play the Raiders, and then we’ll just go about it,” Canales said. “We’re going to attack the Raiders. We’re going to attack this week, and get that mentality and the things we’re looking for.”

    The Panthers mortgaged their future by trading two first-round picks, two second-round picks and standout wide receiver DJ Moore to the Chicago Bears to move up to the first pick in the 2023 NFL draft and select Young.

    Young has started 18 games in his career in Carolina. Is that a large enough sample size to move beyond quarterback?

    Canales, a first-year coach, and first-year general manager Dan Morgan inherited Young, so they aren’t tied to the second-year quarterback. The Panthers are on track for a top pick in the 2025 NFL draft. The organization could decide to move on from Young and select a QB in the upcoming draft.

    Young’s rookie contract runs through the 2026 season. The Panthers also have the option to give Young a fifth-year option, which would give the QB an additional year. But a fifth-year option seems unlikely at this point in his career.

    It may be best for both parties to move in a different direction.

    Follow Tyler Dragon of USA TODAY Sports on X @TheTylerDragon.

    The USA TODAY app gives you quick access to the most important news. Download for award-winning reporting, crosswords, audio stories, the e-newspaper and more.

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