It’s no secret that the Carolina Panthers have struggled to find stability at the quarterback position in recent years. The franchise's ongoing quest for a consistent and reliable signal-caller has seen it turn to various options, yet success remains elusive.
The Bryce Young Experiment
Bryce Young, the former No. 1 overall pick, entered the scene with high expectations. However, just 18 starts into his career, Young has been benched. Over the past two seasons, he has managed a disappointing 2-16 record, starting this year with an 0-2 slump. Despite completing 31 of 56 attempts, the numbers are stark: no touchdowns, three interceptions, and six sacks in the current season do not present a favorable case for Young.
Young’s inability to find his footing has left the Panthers in a difficult position. The quarterback's developmental struggles have only exacerbated the team's quest for a stable offensive leader. The harsh reality of professional football, combined with the immense pressure placed on young quarterbacks, has undeniably taken its toll on Young's early career.
Relief from a Veteran
In response to these struggles, the Panthers have turned to seasoned veteran Andy Dalton to take over as the team's quarterback. While Dalton’s extensive experience offers a glimmer of hope, it also underscores the Panthers' desperation for stability and a successful season.
Comparisons and Contrasts
The situation becomes even more interesting when compared to the trajectories of former Panthers quarterbacks now thriving with other teams. Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, who both had troubled stints in Carolina, appear to have found new life elsewhere. Mayfield’s record with the Panthers was a dismal 1-5, marked by his lowest career completion percentage of 57.8 and a meager passing success rate of 36.
Yet, Mayfield’s noteworthy stint with the Cleveland Browns, where he went 29-30 as a starter, demonstrates potential that the Panthers were unable to harness. Mayfield’s comments shed light on the complexities young quarterbacks face: “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.”
For Mayfield, finding the right fit has been key to his resurgence. “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 Last Hurrah
The last time the Panthers had a quarterback who finished a season with a winning record was in 2017 with Cam Newton. Newton, along with Jake Delhomme, stands out as one of only two Carolina quarterbacks to achieve a winning record as starters since 2008. This historical context highlights the ongoing struggle the franchise has faced in securing a long-term solution under center.
As the Panthers navigate yet another season with uncertainties at quarterback, the pressure mounts not just on the players but the entire organization. The decision to bench Bryce Young and turn to Andy Dalton is indicative of the team's urgent need for stability and success. However, as Baker Mayfield's reflections suggest, finding the perfect fit and environment can be as crucial as talent and intelligence in achieving success in the NFL.
The narrative for both Bryce Young and the Panthers is far from over. With lessons to be learned from past quarterbacks and a keen eye on future potential, the franchise looks to steer through turbulent waters in search of the consistent playmaker they so desperately need.