CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina Panthers veteran quarterback Andy Dalton admits he’s having a bit of extra enjoyable this week figuring out he’s more likely to begin Sunday in opposition to the Seattle Seahawks.
The Panthers stated on X, previously often called Twitter, that rookie QB Bryce Younger “isn’t anticipated to play ” after lacking his second straight day of follow Thursday.
Staff spokesperson Bruce Speight confirmed to The Related Press that Younger will not be anticipated to play.
Which means Jake Luton is predicted to be promoted from the follow squad and be Carolina’s No. 2 QB this week.
“For me, clearly — completely,” Dalton stated with a smile. “It’s at all times good as a result of I’ve had a sure method of working in my profession, and while you go from beginning to being the backup that is without doubt one of the issues that you simply miss. … While you get an opportunity to take possession of what you’re doing, and to know the way you need it to look and the way you need it to really feel and see it executed, that’s what makes soccer enjoyable.”
Dalton made it clear his objective is to not steal Younger’s beginning job, however as an alternative to assist the Panthers win.
Younger, the No. 1 decide within the draft, injured his ankle sooner or later throughout Carolina’s 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Monday evening.
Panthers offensive coordinator Thomas Brown stated the rookie acquired damage someday within the first half, however didn’t inform anybody till after the sport. Younger completed the sport, throwing a landing move and a 2-point conversion to Adam Thielen on his last drive.
Thursday’s follow was a very powerful of the week for the Panthers (0-2) given they’re engaged on a brief week and it was the first day for sport plan set up.
Whereas it’s trending towards Dalton beginning, Brown wouldn’t declare him the starter.
When requested if he would really feel comfy beginning a rookie comparable to Younger if he sat out follow all week, Brown replied “I’d, no query — that rookie. I wouldn’t make a basic assertion in the case of all rookies, however that rookie I’d.”
Younger was seen strolling out to follow with out a boot on his ankle, however he didn’t have his follow gear.
He was not obtainable in the course of the staff’s open locker room session.
Carolina’s offense has struggled within the first two weeks with the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner at quarterback.
Younger ranks thirty first within the NFL in passer score, having accomplished 59.2% of his passes for 299 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in his first two video games. He’s additionally fumbled as soon as.
The Panthers rank final within the league in passing and tied for thirtieth in factors scored.
“I don’t really feel prefer it has been one factor that has precipitated it,” Dalton stated of the staff’s lack of manufacturing. “I really feel prefer it has been various things each single time. Totally different guys taking activates missed assignments or the execution simply hasn’t been there. That’s the factor with offensive soccer, all people must be on the identical web page for it to work.”
This is perhaps the week for the Panthers to get rolling on offense.
Seattle’s protection has been something however dominant the primary two video games and ranks thirty first within the league in yards allowed and twenty ninth in factors allowed. They’re final within the NFL in third down protection.
Dalton’s veteran presence on Sunday may play to Carolina’s benefit, significantly given he’s performed in loud stadiums earlier than.
Dalton is 83-77-2 as a starter throughout his earlier 12 NFL seasons, whereas throwing for 244 touchdowns and 144 interceptions. He spent 9 seasons in Cincinnati earlier than one-year stops in Dallas, Chicago and New Orleans.
“While you speak concerning the environments and crowd noise, (Seattle) is a kind of locations that first hits your mind,” Dalton stated. “It will probably turn out to be an element within the sport if you happen to let it. However that’s the place it’s important to ensure you are speaking effectively.”
Heart Bradley Bozeman stated the Panthers will probably be in fine condition if Dalton begins.
“Once I was in Baltimore, he lit us up a few occasions for positive,” Bozeman stated. “He’s nonetheless acquired it. He has been rocking and rolling the entire time he’s been right here and that’s the reason he’s right here. He’s an awesome chief.”
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