Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is maintaining his confidence following the team’s announcement that he will be benched for Week 3.
“I’m a day-by-day type of person. I’ve talked about that consistently,” Young stated to reporters on Thursday, including ESPN’s David Newton. He emphasized, “Big-picture stuff, that’s out of my hands. That’s in God’s hands. (As far as) organizational stuff, that’s with the people upstairs. I’m super grateful to be part of the team, be part of the organization. I want to help the team in whatever way I can, and that’s my focus.”
He added, “(As a) competitor, obviously, not what you dream of, what you think is gonna happen,” according to The Athletic’s Joe Person.
Young started 18 games as a rookie after being drafted first overall in 2023, finishing with a record of 2-16. During that season, he passed for 2,877 yards, recorded 11 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, completing 57.8% of his attempts.
The Panthers decided to bench Young after he completed 18 of 26 passes for 84 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception in the first two games of his second season. His only score so far has been a 3-yard run. Despite the struggles, Young is taking responsibility for his performance. “For the last year and these first two games, every snap hit my hands and I didn’t do enough with it. I take accountability for that. There’s a long list of things that I wish I was better at, and I’m going to continue to work to grow and improve,” he said, according to The Associated Press’ Steve Reed.
“At the end of the day, I’m a competitor. Whenever there’s a football and a field out there, I have the utmost confidence in myself,” Young added, per Newton.
Head coach Dave Canales explained that the decision to bench Young was supported by the front office, though it was ultimately his call. “I watched the film, I had a thought in mind, we all talked, and I had to make the best decision for the team,” Canales said earlier this week.
Canales expressed belief in Young’s potential as a franchise quarterback, dismissing speculation about the Panthers possibly trading him.
Veteran players Miles Sanders and Adam Thielen spoke positively about Young and anticipate his return to form. “This is his home, and he’s gonna get another shot,” Sanders said, according to Newton.
As the Panthers seek their first win of the season, they will turn to Andy Dalton to lead the team in their upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
