From Adam Pietrzak (@theadogg99):
Adam, maybe? I don’t know. It’s only been one game. Dalton was outstanding, for sure—319 yards, three touchdowns, nearly 70% completions and an 87.1 QBR. The line play was a catalyst for Bryce Young’s downturn, yet Dalton was sacked just twice and, excluding kneel-downs, the Carolina Panthers rushed for 133 yards on 29 carries. A so-so skill group had eight players with multiple catches. And the offense possessing the ball for 36 minutes buoyed the defense.
As for conclusions, I have two. First, more responsibility for Young’s middling performance through the first two weeks has to fall on his shoulders. Yes, the Panthers were a mess around him. But he should’ve been better. And maybe this illustrates the damage already done to Young (with his reluctance to go downfield, inability to see the middle of the field and tendency to drop his eyes and look at the rush). Second, as long as Dalton can leverage more from that roster, first-year coach Dave Canales can’t return to Young.
This is why teams are usually very hesitant to sit a highly drafted quarterback such as Young. Putting that toothpaste back in the tube—like the Miami Dolphins did with Tua Tagovailoa, or the Pittsburgh Steelers failed to do with Kenny Pickett—is never easy. But for now, Canales has to give his players the best chance to win, and Dalton gives them that. The move will also provide the rest of us with a more clear-eyed view of where the Panthers are right now.
