Panthers coach Dave Canales still committed to starting Andy Dalton over Bryce Young

Carolina's rookie head coach is digging in his heels and sticking by his soon to be 37-year old backup.

Tim Weaver | Oct 20, 2024

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 20: Andy Dalton #14 of the Carolina Panthers talks with head coach Dave Canales of the Carolina Panthers prior to the game against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on October 20, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. / (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

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Carolina Panthers

How bad are the 2024 Carolina Panthers? They have played just seven games and we have already arrived at the second quarterback controversy of the season. The first was solved after the Panthers benched Bryce Young after two dismal starts to begin the year. Andy Dalton started his reign hot, but has since cooled off and has thrown six interceptions in four games, all losses for Carolina and none of them by less than 10 points.

Dalton's poor run of play has a lot of fans, analysts and commentators thinking that the Panthers should make another switch and put Young back out there. Head coach Dave Canales is not one of them. Speaking with reporters after the game, Canales said he's comitted to starting Andy Dalton.

Dave Canales committed to Andy Dalton

Canales says he's "committed to Andy," and that Dalton will continue to start at QB.
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) October 20, 2024

That's a strange hill to die on, considering just a minute before that Canales began his press conference by stating that Dalton's performance was not good enough and that Dalton knows it.

Dave Canales on Andy Dalton's performance

Panthers coach Dave Canales on the performance of Andy Dalton: ‘’it wasn’t good enough. … He knows that.’’ pic.twitter.com/wiWVu04FDD
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) October 20, 2024

At this point we're not sure what the Panthers are trying to accomplish by continuing to play Dalton. They're not learning anything about Young, who isn't getting any better on the sidelines. They aren't competing for a playoff spot, either - and they're not even competitive against average NFL teams. As long as that's the case the only goal for the remainder of this season should be player development - let the final scores be what they may. Anything else is a disservice to the future of the franchise.