Bryce Young's Benching: Panthers' Mishandling of Top Draft Pick Draws Criticism

Despite drafting Bryce Young as the No. 1 overall pick in 2023, the Carolina Panthers have quickly benched the quarterback and experts are blaming the organization's mishandling for his struggles.

In a stunning turn of events, the Carolina Panthers have benched their No. 1 overall pick from the 2023 Draft, Bryce Young. After two disappointing performances to start the season, Young has been replaced by veteran quarterback Andy Dalton.

The Panthers invested heavily in Young, trading away high draft picks and star receiver D.J. Moore to the Chicago Bears to secure the opportunity to select him first overall. However, Young has failed to live up to expectations, throwing three interceptions, no touchdowns, and completing just 55.4% of his passes in his first two games.

Bryce Young's Benching: Panthers' Mishandling of Top Draft Pick Draws Criticism

ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has been highly critical of the Panthers' treatment of Young, accusing the organization of "mishandling" the situation. Kiper argues that Young is an "outlier" who required a specific infrastructure of support to succeed.

"You knew he was not only short, but a small, diminutive quarterback who needed help," Kiper said. "So, you knew Bryce Young was not only short, but a small, diminutive quarterback who needed help, right?"

Bryce Young's Benching: Panthers' Mishandling of Top Draft Pick Draws Criticism

Kiper also pointed out that the Panthers drastically changed the coaching staff around Young after his rookie season, which has also contributed to his struggles.

"You go into this year, and you change everything because C.J. Stroud's doing so well in Houston," Kiper said. "‘We gotta destroy this thing. We gotta blow it up and start all over because C.J. Stroud's doing so great in Houston. These coaches are getting it done.’ So, we bring in an offensive coach who was with Baker [Mayfield] and others, right? Bring in a new pass game coordinator, new quarterbacks coach for Bryce Young. Then, we don’t play him in the preseason!"

Bryce Young's Benching: Panthers' Mishandling of Top Draft Pick Draws Criticism

Young's benching has raised questions about his confidence and future with the Panthers. The quarterback has a total lack of confidence under center now," Kiper said.

Despite his struggles, Young is still only 2-16 through 18 starts in his NFL career. The Panthers hope that sitting behind Dalton will allow him to regroup and learn from a veteran quarterback.

The Panthers' decision to bench Young is a major setback for a team that was hoping to make a significant jump in 2024. The team will now rely on Dalton, who brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the position.

The Panthers' mishandling of Young has drawn widespread criticism, and it remains to be seen whether the organization can turn things around in Carolina.