Mel Kiper unleashes at David Tepper’s Panthers organization in heated rant against Bryce Young being benched
Bryce Young's benching after two blowout losses to begin the year might be one of the biggest stories of September. The former No. 1 overall pick made it just two games into the year following his rookie season before getting the plug pulled.
In response, one of his biggest backers, Mel Kiper, railed on the Panthers for failing to give him the talent and support to succeed.
First, he noted that the team replaced many of the pieces around him, but gave him little time to get into a rhythm. Speaking in a clip on "Get Up" via Awful Announcing on X, Kiper slammed the mismanagement leading up to the decision. While he didn't like what led to it, he conceded that it might be necessary.
“CJ Stroud played in two preseason games this year. Derek Carr played in two preseason games. Why? Because Klint Kubiak’s coming in with a new offense and Derek Carr as a veteran played in two preseason games.
"Bryce Young played one series of the final preseason game. Does that make sense to you? When two games in, we’re saying he can’t play. Yes, his confidence was shattered. Yes, he does need to sit behind Andy Dalton for a bit. But to blame this on Bryce Young is ridiculous. The blame here goes to the organization and the owner for mishandling the situation.”
Bryce Young currently has zero touchdowns, three interceptions, a passer rating of 44.1, and an 0-2 record this season. With his benching now official, fans can only wonder whether this will be looked back on as the end of the Young experiment.
Bryce Young benching leads to second Andy Dalton sighting in two years with Panthers
Some fans are stunned by the news that Andy Dalton will get a start in 2024, half a decade since his time with the Cincinnati Bengals ended. However, this won't be his first start since then.
It also won't even be his first start with the Panthers. Last season, Dalton went 0-1 in his lone start of the season. While he lost the game, he ended up throwing for two touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Compared to Young's zero touchdowns and three interceptions, the numbers side with Dalton, although the sample size is a small fraction of Young. In his career, the former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback is 83-78-2. He also has started in four playoff appearances, although it likely bears little impact on a 2024 Week 3 tilt.
The Panthers will take on the Las Vegas Raiders, who are coming out with confidence after upsetting the Baltimore Ravens.
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Get Up," Awful Announcing, and H/T Sportskeeda.