The Carolina Panthers shocked the NFL world after just two weeks benching last year’s number-one overall pick Bryce Young. Veteran Andy Dalton stepped in to provide a jolt to the offense.
Dalton has shined in his two weeks at the helm, and it is unclear when Bryce Young will step back on the field. The organization has made it clear that this is just about a step in his development and not a true benching. But, with how Dalton has played, it makes the decision a little more difficult.
In the two games he has started, Dalton has completed 51 of his 78 pass attempts for 539 yards, five touchdowns, and just one interception. The Panthers are 1-1 in these games with a 36-22 victory over the Raiders and a 34-24 loss to the Bengals.
The momentum that Dalton has brought with him can also be seen in the futures market. He has catapulted into the Comeback Player of the Year race. Here is a look at the top candidates for the award on DraftKings Sportsbook and the outlook for Dalton below.
Andy Dalton Comeback Player of the Year Outlook
Unlike some of the awards, there is an inherent narrative that plays a part in the Comeback Player of the Year race. This is especially the case this season with several worthy candidates with intriguing storylines.
Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins are each returning from Achilles’ tears. Sam Darnold is playing the best football of his career after landing on his fourth team in five seasons. Joe Burrow, J.K. Dobbins, and Kyler Murray each also have battled injuries the past few years while Justin Fields looks revitalized by his change in locations.
The biggest concern with Dalton’s outlook is his unclear opportunity moving forward. The initial expectation was for Bryce Young to return under center at some point this season. For this to change it would require Dalton to remain hot and to put this Panthers team in the playoff hunt.
Young is still the long-term solution at quarterback for the team and it is in the organization’s best interest to get him game reps as he continues to develop. With a 1-3 record to start the year and in a tough NFC South with the Falcons, Buccaneers, and Saints each having early success- this feels unlikely.
Give Andy Dalton credit for proving he still has something left in the tank. But there are too many outside factors impacting if he has a clear chance at winning Comeback Player of the Year. Keep Dalton in mind for player props and raising the floor of the Panthers’ offense, but the Comeback Player of the Year feels a bit of a lofty goal for the 36-year-old.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
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