ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. delivers a passionate critique of the Panthers' handling of Bryce Young following his benching.

Despite having the NFL's worst record last season, the Carolina Panthers have begun the current season in a disastrous manner. A surprising development occurred when the team's top pick from the previous season, Bryce Young, was benched.

This week, Andy Dalton will lead Dan Canales' new offense in Charlotte, as Young has thrown three interceptions, no touchdowns, and only 245 yards with a 55.4% completion rate over his first two games.

The Panthers traded away high draft picks and veteran receiver D.J. Moore to the Chicago Bears two years ago for the opportunity to choose first overall in the 2023 Draft. They selected the Crimson Tide product, Young, while the Houston Texans took C.J. Stroud out of Ohio State.

ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. believes that the downward trend of the Texans is not solely due to Young.

On "Get Up" Tuesday morning, Kiper criticized the Panthers organization after the news of Young's benching in an intense rant.

Kiper stated that the word "mishandle" is appropriate because when drafting Bryce Young, it was known that he was an outlier. He explained that Russell Wilson was bigger and taller, but only 5’10" and three quarters, which opened up the opportunity for the 5’10" quarterback. However, Wilson was 205 pounds and 208 coming out, not 180.

Kyler Murray was selected as the No. 1 overall pick due to Russell Wilson's influence. Unlike Bryce Young, he is not a small, diminutive quarterback who requires assistance.

"Additionally, continuity is important. You draft a quarterback who has a great infrastructure in Carolina with the head coach, coordinator, and quarterback coach. Everything is in place, including the senior assistant. Despite having three games with multiple interceptions, he had six touchdowns and three picks. Last year, he showed some impressive games."

The Panthers had a difficult season, finishing with a record of 2-15, which was the worst in the league. If they hadn't traded their first overall pick to the Bears, they would have had the opportunity to select USC's Caleb Williams as their future quarterback in the Windy City.

Young's 2,877 yards with 11 touchdowns to 10 interceptions and a 73.7 quarterback rating were not enough for the Panthers to get rid of everyone, according to But Kiper.

Kiper stated that the team should start over because C.J. Stroud is performing well in Houston. He suggested bringing in an offensive coach who worked with Baker Mayfield and others, as well as a new pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Bryce Young. However, the team should not play him in the preseason and only give him one series in the final preseason game.

C.J. Stroud and Derek Carr both played in two preseason games this year. The reason for this is that Klint Kubiak was introducing a new offense, and as a veteran, Derek Carr was chosen to participate in the games.

"Is it clear to you that Bryce Young played one series in the final preseason game against the defense for the Buffalo Bills, and yet we're saying he can't play after two games?"

Despite being 2-16 through 18 starts in his NFL career, Young's book is still out, and experts and fans alike are saying he seems to have a total lack of confidence under center now, including Kiper.

"His confidence was shattered, and he needs to sit behind Andy Dalton for a little bit. However, it is unjustified to blame this on Bryce Young. The real culprit is the organization and the owner for their mismanagement."

Dalton, a three-time Pro Bowler with the Cincinnati Bengals, will now take a backseat to Young, who can be learned from. Canales was brought in to turn things around in Carolina, and the coaching staff has clearly seen enough to let Young sit out and regroup with a veteran quarterback leading the way instead for now.

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