The Carolina Panthers are poised to be without quarterback Bryce Young for Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks after the club said Thursday that the first choice in the 2023 draught missed his second consecutive practise due to an ankle ailment.
Both days, veteran Andy Dalton played every snap for the first team.
“For me, obviously — absolutely,” Dalton remarked of his enjoyment of being back in the limelight. “It’s always nice because I’ve had a certain way of operating in my career, and that’s one of the things you miss when you go from starting to being the backup.”
“What makes football fun is having the opportunity to take ownership of what you’re doing, to know how you want it to look and feel, and to see it executed.”
Young sprained his ankle in Monday’s 20-17 defeat to the New Orleans Saints. The Panthers are 0-2; the rest of the NFC South is 2-0.
Young’s injury occurred in the first half, according to offensive coordinator Thomas Brown, but it had no effect on the quarterback’s play.
Brown said that there has been no talk about whether giving Young a rest will benefit the rookie.
Young is ranked 27th in the league in Total QBR (35.5) and 31st in passer rating (66.6) by ESPN. He has only led two touchdown drives (one in each of the first 712 quarters) and has three turnovers (two interceptions and one fumble).
Young, according to Dalton, has not been the cause of the offense’s struggles in the first two games.
“I don’t think there was one thing that caused it,” Dalton remarked. “It seems like it’s been different things every time.” Different players take turns on failed duties, or simply a lack of execution.”
Dalton has already enjoyed success in Seattle. During his first season, he completed 18 of 29 pass attempts for 168 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-12 win against the Cincinnati Bengals. In 2019, he went 35-for-51 for 418 yards and two touchdowns in a 21-20 defeat to the Seahawks.
“He’s still got it,” said centre Bradley Bozeman. “He’s been rocking and rolling the whole time, which is why he’s here.” He’s a fantastic leader, and no matter who takes over at quarterback, whether it’s him or Bryce, they’ll be ready.”
Dalton has an 83-77-2 career record as a starter for Cincinnati, Dallas, Chicago, and New Orleans. He went 6-8 for the Saints last season before signing a two-year, $10 million contract with Carolina in the summer.
When asked how he can improve an offence that ranks dead last in the NFL in scoring (13.5 points per game), Dalton responded he’ll simply be himself.
“We’re pushing guys, pushing the tempo, and doing everything we can to give ourselves a chance,” he added. “At the end of the day, we harmed ourselves.” We had a chance to influence the result, but we had several turnovers that damaged us and other factors.
“I’m just going out there and trying to be as efficient as possible.”
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