The Carolina Panthers are facing a daunting challenge as their top draft pick of 2023, quarterback Bryce Young, is expected to miss Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. Young has been sidelined with an ankle injury, causing him to miss his second consecutive practice. With this setback, veteran quarterback Andy Dalton is set to take the reins as the starting quarterback for the upcoming game.
Dalton, who took all the first-team snaps in Young’s absence, expressed his enjoyment at being back in the spotlight. As someone who has experienced both starting and being a backup quarterback, Dalton relishes the opportunity to take ownership of his plays and execute them the way he envisions. He believes this is what makes football enjoyable and is ready to face the challenge ahead.
Young sustained his ankle injury during the Panthers’ recent 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints. However, despite the injury, offensive coordinator Thomas Brown stated that it did not significantly impact Young’s performance during the game. Despite his athleticism and promise as a rookie, Young has struggled in his first two games, ranking low in ESPN’s Total QBR and passer rating. He has led only two touchdown drives and has committed three turnovers.
Acknowledging the team’s offensive struggles, Dalton emphasized that Young is not solely responsible for the team’s lackluster performance. Dalton believes that the team’s issues span beyond the quarterback position and that different factors, such as missed assignments and overall execution, contribute to the team’s struggles on offense.
Despite the challenges ahead, Dalton remains confident in his abilities as a quarterback. He has had success playing against the Seattle Seahawks in the past, and his experience in leading teams has earned him the respect of his teammates. Center Bradley Bozeman praised Dalton’s leadership and expressed confidence in his ability to perform at a high level.
Throughout his career, Dalton has started for various teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and New Orleans Saints. With a career record of 83-77-2 as a starter, Dalton brings a wealth of experience to the Panthers’ offense. He hopes to make a positive impact by pushing his teammates and setting the tempo to give the Panthers a chance to succeed.
The Panthers’ offense has struggled significantly in the first two games, ranking last in the NFL in scoring. With a meager average of 13.5 points per game, the team is in desperate need of a turnaround. Dalton acknowledges the team’s mistakes and turnovers, which have hindered their chances of success. He aims to help the offense by providing stability and consistency.
The Carolina Panthers find themselves facing uncertainty at the quarterback position with Bryce Young’s injury. However, the team remains optimistic as veteran quarterback Andy Dalton steps in to lead the offense. Dalton’s experience, leadership, and past successes against the Seattle Seahawks provide hope for the team’s future performance. The Panthers will need a collective effort from all players, not just the quarterback, to improve their offensive struggles and turn their season around.
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