Dave Canales says Panthers will decide on Bryce Young or Andy Dalton starting Week 9 in next few days

Carolina's rookie head coach wants to have more information before making a decision at quarterback.

Tim Weaver | 2 Hours Ago

DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 27: Andy Dalton #14 and Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers speak on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on October 27, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. / Photo by C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images)

All the now 1-7 Carolina Panthers can do is keep showing up and playing whoever's next on their schedule. On that subject, a rematch with the New Orleans Saints after their season-opening blowout loss is next. As for who will be their starting quarterback in that game, that has yet to be decided.

Speaking with reporters at Mile High Stadium in Denver after his team's 28-14 loss to the Broncos, head coach Dave Canales said that the team will consider the information and then make a decision about who will be starting at QB in Week 9 in the next few days.

Dave Canales on QB1 for Week 9

Canales on Bryce starting next week.

We'll look at all the information, we'll look at Andy's health, and come to a decision in the next few days.
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) October 27, 2024

Today's game was far from Young's worst work, and it was his best performance of the 2024 season. He started out strong, throwing his first touchdown pass of the season to finish his first opening-drive score of his career. Denver's defense locked in after that though and Young had issues moving the chains for the rest of the afternoon. He ended up with a line of 24/37 for 224 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions and a 76.9 passer rating.

There were some very nice throws in there, including a gorgeous 29-yard completion to Jalen Coker along the sideline. However, Young also missed plenty of throws and you can lay at least a portion of the blame for both picks at his feet. There were also some problems getting out of the huddle, resulting in some inexcusable delay of game penalties.

Overall, it's fair to see why the Panthers are far from confident about Young's ability to become their franchise quarterback. Still, Young needs as much time as they can give him on the field if he's ever going to grow into that role. Starting Andy Dalton - however much more he might give them a chance to win one particular game - isn't going to help them in the long run. Canales should continue to play Young as long as he's healthy for the remainder of the season.