The Panthers ‘ QB room isn’t short on storylines, and it is shaping the entire outlook in Charlotte. Bryce Young enters Year 3 as the undisputed starter, but the leash isn’t endless—last season’s late surge gave hope, while another sluggish start could reopen old doubts. Andy Dalton , nursing a preseason muscle injury, still looms as the steadying hand Canales once called “our best chance to win.” Behind them, cuts have trimmed the room thin. It is now a fragile balance of promise and pressure, the kind Canales insists will “ grow” a young yet vibrant team.

But calling the QB competition in Carolina a “ battle” might be overstating it. Dave Canales drew his line early: Bryce Young is the franchise QB, Andy Dalton is the trusted veteran backup, and that’s that. E

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