The Carolina Panthers surprised the NFL world on Monday when head coach Dave Canales announced Andy Dalton would be replacing Bryce Young as the team’s starting quarterback.
Young, the No. 1 overall pick in 2023, made just 18 starts before the Panthers decided it was time for a change at football’s most important position.
While there were reports that Young was “shocked” and “pissed” about the decision, he hadn’t yet shared his thoughts. On Thursday, Young spoke to reporters for the first time, and revealed that he was, in fact, surprised about the decision.
“As a competitor, obviously not how you dream of what’s going to happen,” Young said Thursday. “It wasn’t something I necessarily was expecting. Obviously, it was not something that was great to hear.”
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While he didn’t expect the decision, Young also took accountability for the situation, saying he didn’t do enough to prevent it from happening.
“I had a lot of plays last year and in the first two games,” Young said via ESPN. “For the most part, every snap hit my hands and I didn’t do enough. I take accountability for that. There’s a long list of things that I wish was better and I’ll continue to work and grow and improve and be better at.
“Everyone has circumstances. If I went out there and played better and won games… we wouldn’t be having this conversation.
“… At the end of the day that falls on me and that didn’t happen.”
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Young led the Panthers to a 2-16 record in his 18 starts over the last two seasons. He’s completed 59.3 percent of his passes for 3,122 yards with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Through two games this year, he threw for just 245 yards with zero touchdowns and three interceptions.
For now, Young will ride the bench in Carolina, watching how the veteran Dalton runs the offense. The Panthers have no plans to trade Young, and instead just want him to sit back and learn.
Young spent three seasons at the University of Alabama, completing 65.8 percent of his passes for 8,356 yards with 80 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He led Alabama to a National Championship in 2020. Then, in 2021, he won the Heisman trophy after throwing for 4,872 yards and 47 touchdowns.
The talent is obviously there for Young. The Panthers are hoping a reset helps him find it again.
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