Panthers Win Big, But A Bigger Question Remains
Dave Canales skipped through the locker room, screaming in unison with his team.
The sports world thought the Carolina Panthers were dead. Last year's number one overall pick, Bryce Young, had been benched earlier in the week. The team would be visiting the Las Vegas Raiders, who were coming off an upset win over the Baltimore Ravens. Nobody in their right mind believed Carolina could overcome the brewing controversy and finally win a game.
Andy Dalton, however, had other ideas.
After a week of backlash and anger from analysts, pundits, and all of social media, the Carolina Panthers upended the Las Vegas Raiders 36-22. Dalton had a monster game, becoming the first quarterback so far this season to throw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns in a single game. The defense finally came to life as well, giving Canales his first win as a head coach.
The Panthers looked like an entirely new team. Competent. Excited. Hopeful.
Even David Tepper, the team's infamous owner, showed a lighter side of himself in the locker room postgame, presenting Canales with the game ball.
It wasn't just Dalton playing lights out. Chuba Hubbard had 169 scrimmage yards and a touchdown. Diontae Johnson had a career-high 122 receiving yards and a touchdown. The defense recorded three sacks, one more than their previous two games combined.
The offensive line turned Maxx Crosby, one of the best pass rushers in the league, into an afterthought. While the Raiders defense recorded two sacks, Crosby was held in check by what has quickly become one of the top offensive lines in the league. It was the first time since New Year's Eve of last year that Crosby did not record a sack in a game.
Despite the win, Canales's fiery postgame speech, and Dalton's sudden resurgence, one big question remains.
What Will Happen To Bryce Young Now?
It was reported before game time Sunday that the Carolina Panthers rejected trade offers from four different teams for Young. This was in step with what the team reiterated all week: Young's benching was not permanent. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that the move to bench Young was intended to "stop the bleeding" and allow him to "heal." A mental reset was sorely needed for the former Heisman winner, as he looked completely lost during the team's first two games of the season.
There is a belief (or at least, there WAS a belief) in Carolina that Bryce Young can still be the guy. After all, their trade for the number one pick of 2023 was made in an effort to finally end the QB carousel that had become Carolina.
Instead of that plan coming to fruition, things quickly went awry for Young. While his rookie struggles could be chalked up to a lack of a proper supporting cast, Dalton proved Sunday that the same cannot be said this year.
The team can, and most likely will, say that trading Young is not being considered. The reality, however, is that a trade may just be the thing that both the Panthers and their embattled young QB need.
Who Needs A QB?
There are a growing number of injuries around the league, and the quarterback position is no exception. In Miami, Skylar Thompson, starting in place of the concussed Tua Tagovailoa, went down with a rib injury during the Dolphins' Week Three loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The Los Angeles Chargers, meanwhile, are awaiting news about Justin Herbert's ankle injury.
Many other teams have a hazy future at QB. In Cleveland, Las Vegas, New York, and Tennessee, what these respective franchises plan to do in 2025 at QB is anyone's guess.
Despite his poor play, the Browns are probably stuck with Deshaun Watson and his enormous contract. His continued legal troubles, however, may provide an out. The Raiders boast Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell at QB, but they aren't exactly long-term answers.
The New York Giants have Daniel Jones under contract until 2026, but they may search for a way out before next season. Aaron Rodgers is signed with the Jets through next season, but he'll be 41 before the season's end. The Titans drafted the struggling Will Levis in the second round last year, but the new coaching staff has made it well known that poor QB play will not be tolerated.
Don't forget about the Los Angeles Rams, either. Matthew Stafford is currently under contract through 2026 but will be 37 in February. With injuries to nearly the entire offense and rumors about head coach Sean McVay potentially retiring, the Rams may have to address the quarterback position sooner than they want.
All in all, if Carolina chooses to move on from Young, there are several suitors that they can do business with. The compensation may not be great; a third-round pick would most likely be the highest they could receive back in a potential trade.
Only a week ago, the best-case scenario for Carolina would have been Young returning from his benching and showing improvement. Things have now changed significantly, and despite a big win, these questions surrounding Young will only remain until a move is made.
Read More NFL News From Stadium Rant Here: NFL News
MORE FROM STADIUM RANT:
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our newsletter here. Check out Stadium Rant Original shows on our Youtube channel and subscribe! Give our socials Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok a follow for more great content!
Comments