3 More Players Panthers Should Bench After Bryce Young

The Panthers' decision to bench Bryce Young and start Andy Dalton paid immediate dividends. Carolina's offense was excellent in a 36-22 win over the Raiders. Dave Canales made the right call, though there are other struggling Panthers who could be next if things don't improve.

Carolina's defense ranks 23rd in opponent yards per play (5.7) with a tough stretch of games ahead against the Bengals, Bears, Falcons, and Commanders. Dalton lifted the offense's spirit, but this could be a legitimate playoff team with a few more corrections.

Everything the Panthers hoped to accomplish is still possible. With that in mind, let's look at three players who should be benched next after Young.

1. S Nick Scott

The 2019 seventh-round draft pick has struggled in coverage and while he's not a starter, Nick Scott still played 56% of the snaps in Week 3. He graded out as one of Carolina's worst players at Pro Football Focus, though did notch six tackles.

However, improvements are necessary in the secondary if this team is going to reach its ceiling. After ranking as one of the NFL's top defenses on a per-play basis in 2023, the wheels have fallen off a bit. The Panthers are 24th in opponent yards per pass attempt (7.2) and could be exposed against capable QBs over the next several weeks.

Scott has shown enough to remain part of the rotation, though he shouldn't be playing over half of the defensive snaps. He surrendered just a 79.2 passer rating when targeted in Week 3 but his primary value comes on special teams.

The New Orleans Saints torched Carolina's defense in Week 1. Most of that blame falls on the shoulders of guys like Jaycee Horn, though his contract and status on the team makes him harder to sit.

It's clear the Panthers would benefit from adding a safety or cornerback ahead of the trade deadline, which could leave Scott on the outside looking in.