Andy Dalton is thankful to get the start in Week 3 but recognizes that the situation is less than ideal.

The Carolina Panthers benched incumbent starter Bryce Young and named Dalton as the new starter following the team's disastrous 0-2 start to the 2024 season. Following the decision, Dalton said he is excited for the opportunity but understands what Young is dealing with, noting it is a "tough situation."

"I wasn't sure if I was going to get another opportunity to start again," Dalton said. "I'm really looking forward to it. I'm excited about what's ahead. It's a tough situation. I've been on both sides of it, and it's hard on everybody."

Young was the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, but his tenure with the franchise has been trying.

He went 2-14 in his rookie season, throwing for 2,877 yards with 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He has followed that up with 245 passing yards and three interceptions in 2024 and looks like a shell of the prospect he was upon entering the NFL.

Dalton brings significant experience to the table. He is a three-time Pro Bowler and has compiled an 83-78-2 record while throwing for 38,511 yards and 246 touchdowns in his career. He should bring a sense of stability to the Carolina offense while allowing Young to learn from the bench and try to revitalize his career.