In the 2024 NFL season, the Carolina Panthers faced a critical moment as their head coach, Dave Canales, made the difficult decision to bench starting quarterback Bryce Young in favor of veteran Andy Dalton. This move was made just weeks into the year and was aimed at addressing Young’s rough start, though it carried significant emotional weight for both the coach and player. The Panthers’ approach focused on giving Bryce Young space to reset and regain confidence without the immediate pressure of starting games.
Although many fans and football analysts questioned whether Young’s era in Carolina was over, the coaching staff saw the mid-season adjustment as a necessary step in his development. Canales emphasized a daily commitment to improvement despite the challenges, explaining that the decision affected everyone deeply but was intended to lead to growth over time.
The Impact of the Mid-Season Adjustment on Bryce Young
Coach Canales described the emotional toll the benching took on his relationship with Young.
“There was an emotional strain. I could feel that,”
Canales said.
“I know because it was a hard decision. I know Bryce could feel that because of how this impacted him directly, and everybody else can feel it. It’s like, ‘Oh, this seems like a big deal.’ But it’s like, ‘OK, this is the decision that was made. But how do we get better today?’ And so there’s, like, a daily focus on improvement. Bryce is wired that way.”
Rather than viewing the benching as a setback, Young was encouraged to observe how Dalton, a seasoned veteran, prepared each week and handled the pressures of leading the offense on Sundays. This period of observation and learning provided Young with fresh perspectives and helped refine his approach both mentally and physically.
Bryce Young’s Perspective on His Time Off the Field
Reflecting on his benching during an appearance on Ryan Clark’s podcast, The Pivot, Bryce Young shared his honest feelings about that challenging phase. He candidly admitted that he experienced confusion, anger, and self-doubt, even questioning his tenure with the Panthers. However, he chose to confront these emotions head-on, focusing on consistency and personal growth rather than surrendering to frustration.
“I made a conscious decision to challenge myself to be as consistent as I could be during that time and to grow from it… I’m human. I was upset. I was confused. I was mad at myself… A bunch of people reached out and texted to show support. I was super grateful for it,”
Young stated.
His resilience and determination during this period proved crucial to his eventual return to the starting lineup.
The Panthers’ Commitment to Bryce Young’s Development
Throughout Young’s struggles, the Panthers’ leadership, including Coach Canales and General Manager Dan Morgan, demonstrated remarkable patience. Instead of entertaining trade offers or second-guessing their decision to invest in Young, the team remained steadfast in their plan to nurture his talent over the long term.
When Young resumed his position as the starting quarterback later in the 2024 season, his performance showed clear signs of growth. He played a pivotal role in leading the Panthers to clinch the NFC South title in 2025, throwing for 3,011 yards and 23 touchdowns. His steady progress earned the Panthers confidence to exercise his fifth-year option, ensuring his presence on the roster moving forward.
Canales and the Panthers’ coaching staff see Young as the undeniable leader of their offense and continue to build the team around him, focusing on sustainable success.
Looking Forward: Building a Competitive Panthers Team
As the Panthers set their sights on the 2026 season, the organizational strategy revolves around supporting Bryce Young’s continued evolution as a quarterback. The leadership team is actively focused on drafting promising rookies and signing key free agents, particularly players in their mid-20s, to strengthen the roster and maintain competitiveness.
The Panthers’ outlook is optimistic, with betting odds currently suggesting a 37% chance of returning to the playoffs. This strategy aims to combine Young’s growing experience with fresh talent, positioning the Panthers for success in upcoming seasons.
"There was an emotional strain. I could feel that."
I sat down with Dave Canales to get a sense of how the #Panthers HC has kept Bryce Young on an upward developmental track – even and especially after the QB's benching.
🔗 ⤵️ For @NFLonFOX 🔗 ⤵️https://t.co/LqTi4iIxRZ pic.twitter.com/bSE8N1Toxy
— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) February 26, 2026
