Top quarter back confidence is growing, with two wins in his last three starts since returning to the lineup. However, this progress wasn’t enough for Panthers head coach Dave Canales to guarantee him the starting role after the bye week.
He is gaining momentum like never before in his professional career. Fans are beginning to believe again, and the locker room has rallied behind him, commending his resilience and backing their quarterback wholeheartedly.
Canales has also increased his praise for Young, especially noting his command of the offense pre-snap and his effectiveness in executing the game plan. Yet, the head coach is still holding off on officially naming him the starter moving forward.
Carolina Panthers will go through a process before confirming QB starter
When asked who would start at quarterback after the Week 12 bye against the Kansas City Chiefs, Coach Dave Canales reiterated that the team would go through a thorough evaluation process before making a decision.
“We’ll take in all the information and let you guys know. Fortunately for us, we have some time to kind of think this whole thing through. Just taking it all in, looking at the full system and all that, and then we’ll make a decision going forward,” Canales explained.
According to ESPN’s David Newton, Canales, who previously served as the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator, hinted at some interest in exploring Andy Dalton’s potential and how he might fit into the team’s plans for next season. Though this wasn’t discussed in the press conference, Newton’s insight adds an interesting layer to the quarterback conversation.
Andy Dalton, now 37, is a known quantity in the NFL. He can occasionally deliver a strong performance, but once opponents analyze him within a specific system, his effectiveness tends to wane.
Bryce Young, on the other hand, presents more long-term potential. His recent improvement and more confident demeanor contrast sharply with the discouraged figure he seemed in his early games before being benched. Reverting to Dalton now, with Young gaining traction, could severely impact Young’s growth and career outlook.
The notion of Dalton factoring into the Panthers’ future in 2025 is puzzling, especially as his contract expires next spring. Even if Young falters, the team would more likely turn to the draft for a long-term solution at quarterback.
Since Young’s return to the lineup, Coach Dave Canales has maintained a high sense of urgency, keeping complacency at bay. Given the challenges Young has faced so far, easing up now isn’t an option.
As they prepare to face Patrick Mahomes and the reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs, it’s likely Canales will give Young a chance to showcase his progress. This matchup will provide a significant test, as Mahomes and the Chiefs, undefeated this season, are relying on a strong defense in their pursuit of a rare three-peat.
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