1. Change in Quarterback Plans
After a disappointing performance from Bryce Young, the Carolina Panthers have decided to start veteran quarterback Andy Dalton in Week 3, despite head coach Dave Canales previously expressing confidence in Young.
2. Dalton’s Experience
Dalton’s decision comes after he made one start last season when Young was sidelined due to injury. Now, he will lead an offense that has struggled significantly, scoring just 13 points over the last four games.
3. Decision-Makers Involved
This change in the quarterback lineup was influenced by Canales, general manager Dan Morgan, and executive vice president Brandt Tillis, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
4. Young’s Struggles
While Young’s poor performance isn’t solely to blame for the team’s offensive woes, his QBR of 8.9 is the lowest in the NFL through the first two weeks of the season, indicating a need for improvement.
5. Stability in Dalton
Dalton is expected to provide some stability to the Panthers’ offense, at least in the short term, while Canales works on developing the team’s offensive strategy.
6. Canales’s Role
Canales was brought in as head coach primarily to help Young improve after a challenging rookie season. With Dalton starting, Young will now focus on his development from the sidelines.
7. Dalton’s Journey
The 36-year-old Dalton has had a varied career, starting with the Cincinnati Bengals before becoming a backup in Dallas, Chicago, and most recently, New Orleans, where he started 14 games in 2022.
8. Dalton’s Last Season
During his time with the Saints, Dalton had a completion rate of two-thirds and recorded an 18:9 touchdown-to-interception ratio, showcasing his capability as a reliable option.
9. Contract Context
The Panthers signed Dalton to a two-year deal worth $8 million guaranteed, anticipating that they would draft a quarterback, which they did by trading up for the No. 1 pick to select Young.
10. Young’s Progress
Despite the investment made in Young, he has yet to justify the high price paid by former general manager Scott Fitterer. This shift marks a pivotal moment in Young’s early NFL career.
11. Dalton’s Upcoming Matchup
Dalton’s 164th career start will be against the Las Vegas Raiders. His performance will be critical in determining if he can lead the offense to better results.
12. Future Considerations
Should Dalton remain the starter, he could face the Bengals in the following week, while the team still plans to reinstate Young in the lineup at some point to provide him another chance to develop.