The Panthers are starting Bryce Young at quarterback for the first time since Week 2 of this still young season. While the opportunity comes as a result of an injury to his replacement, Andy Dalton, this is still an important opportunity for the former No. 1 overall pick to show that he’s been making the most of his time on the sideline. 
Dalton finds himself doubtful to play this Sunday after spraining his thumb in a car accident this week. The veteran, who will turn 37 in two days, hasn’t entered a season as a team’s starting quarterback since his final year in Cincinnati in 2019. Since then, he’s played extensive backup duty in Dallas, Chicago, New Orleans, and Carolina, starting at least one game each season.
In five starts since taking over as the starter for Young, Dalton has shown both good and bad. In his first start of the year, the Red Rifle delivered a 300-yard, three touchdown performance to earn Carolina’s only win of the season. Since then, Dalton has failed to pass 221 passing yards while throwing four touchdowns to six interceptions.
Young has seen game action twice since getting benched, getting garbage time minutes at the end of blowout losses. The rest of his time has been spent watching, learning, and playing quarterback on the scout team at practices. In a league that has normalized playing first-round quarterbacks immediately as rookies, this should be a valuable opportunity for Young to sit and develop in a way that used to be the norm in the NFL.
This Sunday, Young will be able to show whether or not his time on the bench has been beneficial. Not only that, but Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that, should Young show significant improvement this weekend, “there is a real chance for him to continue starting.” Since getting benched, Young has reportedly been “engaged and involved,” which is exactly the reaction you want from a young top draft pick. Today’s performance in Denver could lay the ground for the remainder of Young’s sophomore campaign and, perhaps, for the rest of his career.
DEN defense is one of the best in the league. Goodluck showing growth. What does anyone expect to see from CAR today?
Less than 150 yards of offense and the Denver defense to win a lot of people fantasy games
When Young spoke to the media this week, he sounded flat and defeated. No spark. No indication he was eager to retake the QB1 job. Not good for CAR.
I think that would be a very normal reaction given all that has happened. What Young has to keep reminding himself of is that guys like Geno Smith, Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold were able to get their careers turned around eventually, so as long as he doesn’t just quit, he has a chance of doing the same.
Broncos win 33-13
13 is being generous..lol
When Young has played so bad there’s nowhere to go but up.
If he could grow about 5 to 6 inches taller, that would help a lot.
Don’t draft jockeys to be your QB’s.