The Carolina Panthers continue to grapple with a familiar and persistent challenge: finding a consistent and reliable quarterback. Their journey has been marked with a series of trials, yet no lasting solutions. The latest setback comes with the benching of Bryce Young, a former No. 1 overall pick, after just 18 starts.
Young's tenure with the Panthers has been far from promising. Over the last two seasons, he has posted a grim 2-16 record, including an 0-2 start this year. His performance statistics this season paint a distressing picture: completing 31 of 56 attempts, with no touchdowns, three interceptions, and six sacks. These numbers underscore the team's struggle to find cohesion and effectiveness on the field, leading to the decision to turn to veteran quarterback Andy Dalton.
Baker Mayfield, another quarterback who once donned the Panthers' jersey, offers a reflective perspective on the difficulties faced by young quarterbacks. "Obviously mine didn't happen in the same time frame with Bryce, but [being a] quarterback's hard, especially for young guys. When you're not surrounded by the pieces, [you're] not given the opportunity to have success. And so a lot of the time guys have the talent, they might have the brains, but they don't have the right opportunity, the right fit," Mayfield observed.
Mayfield's own stint with the Panthers was brief and challenging. He recorded a 1-5 record, along with his worst completion percentage (57.8) and worst passing success rate (36). These figures highlight the complex interplay of factors that affect a quarterback's success, including team dynamics and surrounding talent. Mayfield himself has found new life with another team, reflecting, "I mean, I'm sitting here right now in a way better fit than the other places I've been. And that's not to put other teams down, but it's a matter of the pieces around you, the coaches and for Bryce, a guy that, I can relate to this, finding that belief within yourself again. And he'll get it. His story is far, far from finished."
The Panthers' history with quarterbacks reveals a clear pattern. The last quarterback to finish a season with a winning record as a starter was Cam Newton in 2017. Newton, along with Jake Delhomme, are the only Carolina quarterbacks to achieve winning records as starters since 2008. This historical context further emphasizes the challenge and rarity of finding a long-term solution at the quarterback position for the franchise.
Meanwhile, Sam Darnold, another former Panthers quarterback, has also experienced a resurgence with his new team. This trend of former Panthers quarterbacks finding success elsewhere poses significant questions about the systemic issues within the franchise that may be contributing to their struggles. Identifying these underlying issues and addressing them might be crucial steps for the Panthers as they look to revitalize their team and provide a conducive environment for their quarterback to succeed.
As the Panthers move forward with Andy Dalton, they do so with a mixture of hope and cautious optimism. His experience and veteran presence might provide the stability the team has been seeking. Whether Dalton can reverse the Panthers' fortunes remains to be seen, but his insertion into the lineup signifies yet another chapter in the ongoing quest for quarterback consistency in Carolina.
The challenges faced by Bryce Young and previous quarterbacks highlight the intricate and multifaceted nature of the role. Success in the NFL requires not just talent and intelligence, but also the right fit, support, and environment. The Panthers' journey underscores these truths as they continue their search for a lasting answer at the quarterback position.