Panthers Need to Protect Bryce Young, Start Andy Dalton in Week 18

Many fans in the Carolinas can't wait for Sunday to get here. Not because they get another chance to watch their favorite team to take the field, but because it will be the last time they have to watch this mess until next August. 

When they do trot on the field, I think it would be worth having veteran QB Andy Dalton go out there and lead the offense in the regular season finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

I've been back-and-forth with Jonathan Stewart on Bleav in Panthers over the last month or so as to whether or not Bryce should take a back seat in a lost season. At first, I agreed with J-Stew that he needed to keep playing. That's the best way to learn from your mistakes and grow as a player. 

But there are some situations, like the one this Sunday, where it makes sense to protect your most valuable asset. I know that may sound like I'm anointing Young as the top player on the Panthers' roster...he's not. He's the most valuable because of how much the organization had to give up to get him. This HAS to work and the last thing you can afford on top of all the other drama currently surrounding the organization is to have your franchise quarterback sustain an injury in a meaningless game the week you open the lid on the head coaching search.

The sack he took last week in the first half where he lied on the surface of EverBank Stadium for a few moments holding his back was all I needed to see. The kid has proven how tough he is with the beating he takes on a regular basis. Carolina's offensive line has allowed the 3rd most sacks this season, behind only the Giants and Jets. 

What's the point of throwing him out there on Sunday? To end the season on a strong note? No one cares. Here in a couple of months he's going to be operating in an entirely new offense with several new faces surrounding him. It's not worth the risk, plain and simple.

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