The Carolina Panthers fell to a 38-20 loss at home against the Atlanta Falcons on October 13, 2024, dropping to 1-5 for the season.
Though some rookies such as Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, and Trevin Wallace showed promise, the team’s broader struggles continue.
ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky has openly criticized Carolina’s decision to bench rookie quarterback Bryce Young, questioning the team’s approach in what appears to be a lost season.
Taking to social media, Orlovsky expressed confusion about the move:
“Someone tell me why Bryce Young isn’t playing?!?!? Not anything on Dalton—but you’re 1-5. The season is over. Play him and develop him. What the heck are we doing??”
Young, the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, struggled in his initial games, prompting head coach Dave Canales to turn to veteran Andy Dalton. While Dalton offers better short-term results, Orlovsky argues that the Panthers should prioritize Young’s development over immediate wins, given their slim playoff hopes. He suggests that the Panthers gain nothing from Young standing on the sidelines as Dalton’s backup.
Orlovsky emphasized that ownership needs to reassure Canales his job is secure even if the team keeps losing, as long as he commits to developing young players like Young and Coker.
“This team isn’t built to win now, no matter who’s at quarterback,” he remarked. “Let Young learn and grow—even if that means losing along the way.”
