Panthers bench Bryce Young, to start Andy Dalton vs. Raiders - ESPN

The Carolina Panthers are benching former first overall pick Bryce Young and going with veteran Andy Dalton as the starting quarterback, coach Dave Canales said Monday.

The decision to bench Young was made by Canales, general manager Dan Morgan and executive vice president Brandt Tilis, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The team was informed of the move during position meetings, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

«Andy gives us our best chance moving forward,» Canales said, adding that Young will serve as the backup to Dalton against the Raiders.

Young had a historically bad day in Sunday's 26-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, passing for only 84 yards, tied for the fourth fewest in team history for a quarterback with at least 25 pass attempts.

He became the third player in the past 20 seasons to average 4 yards or under per dropback in four straight starts. He has three interceptions and no touchdowns in two starts this season.

After the game, Canales, without hesitation, said Young would be the starter heading into the game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Those plans have changed.

«This is something after I watched the film,» Canales said Monday. «I looked at it, had a thought and started on talking to the guys that we make decisions with. Certainly a lot of parties involved there, and ultimately this comes on me. My No. 1 responsibility is to help the Panthers win, and so this move puts us in the best chance to do that.»

Carolina is off to an 0-2 start for the second straight season and fifth time in the past six. The Panthers have been outscored 73-13 by the Chargers and New Orleans Saints.

Young, the top pick of the 2023 draft, is 2-16 as the starter since the Panthers traded up eight spots in the NFL draft in