Former Bears QB Shockingly Now Starting in Week 3 for NFC Dumpster Fire
By Cem Yolbulan
The Chicago Bears offense didn't start the 2024 season the way they had envisioned. They have struggled in both games so far with Caleb Williams failing to make enough winning plays.
Despite the disappointing quarterback play in Chicago, things can always be worse. You only need to look further down the NFC standings to feel grateful about the Bears' situation.
The Panthers, who drafted Bryce Young with Chicago's No. 1 overall pick a year ago are already regretting that trade. They made the shocking decision after Week 2 to bench Young. His replacement: former Bears QB Andy Dalton.
NFL News: Panthers Benching Bryce Young to Start Andy Dalton
Young has been a complete disaster to start the year. Carolina lost their first two games with a combined margin of 60 points, only being able to score 13 points. Young has passed for 245 yards total with zero touchdowns and three interceptions.
However, benching him after two weeks in favor of Andy Dalton is still difficult to comprehend. The 36-year-old veteran is a competent backup but there is no reason for him to start for a young, rebuilding team that is not trying to be competitive this season.
Pulling the plug on the Bryce Young experiment this quickly when your backup is not someone who is going to be a part of your plans in the long run is a strange decision.
Dalton spent the 2021 season in Chicago. He was the starter to begin the season as rookie Justin Fields eventually took the job once Dalton suffered a knee injury after Week 2. Once Fields went down with a rib injury, Dalton started more games, finishing the year with 1,515 yards, eight touchdowns, and nine interceptions, and a 3-3 record in six games. He left after that season to sign with the New Orleans Saints in the offseason.
Dalton is now facing possibly the toughest challenge of his career. If he can improve things in the dumpster fire in Carolina, that would be a huge accomplishment.