For the Carolina Panthers, the search for a consistent quarterback has been a persistent challenge. The team's recent decision to bench Bryce Young, a former No. 1 overall pick, after just 18 starts underscores the ongoing struggles at the quarterback position.
Bryce Young's brief tenure as the starting quarterback for the Panthers has been marked by difficulties and underwhelming performances. Over the last two seasons, Young has registered a 2-16 record, including an 0-2 start this year. His stats have been less than stellar, with just 31 of 56 attempts completed, no touchdowns, three interceptions, and six sacks. Such numbers reflect the broader challenges the Panthers have faced in stabilizing their quarterback situation.
Turning to Experience: Andy Dalton Steps In
In response to Young's struggles, the Panthers have decided to turn to veteran quarterback Andy Dalton. The move aims to provide the team with a more seasoned presence under center, hoping Dalton's experience can bring some short-term stability to a faltering offense. Dalton's veteran leadership is seen as a critical factor in navigating the rocky waters the Panthers find themselves in.
The carousel of quarterbacks in Carolina has not gone unnoticed. Previous starters, Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, are now finding success with their new teams. During his time with the Panthers, Mayfield recorded a disappointing 1-5 record, his worst completion percentage at 57.8, and the lowest passing success rate of his career at 36.
Baker Mayfield's Perspective
Baker Mayfield, who has since moved on from the Panthers and is thriving elsewhere, offers a reflective take on the challenges faced by young quarterbacks in finding the right fit. "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," Mayfield said. "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's experience in Carolina was a testament to this harsh reality. His tenure with the Panthers was a brief and tumultuous one, but his career as a whole paints a more nuanced picture. With the Cleveland Browns, Mayfield went 29-30 as a starter, showing that circumstances can significantly impact a player's performance.
Reflecting on his own journey and providing advice for Young, Mayfield stated, "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."
A Historical Challenge for the Panthers
The difficulty in maintaining a consistent and successful quarterback has been a long-standing issue for the Panthers. The last time a Carolina quarterback finished a season with a winning record as a starter was Cam Newton in 2017. Newton and Jake Delhomme are the only quarterbacks since 2008 to have achieved a winning record as starters for the Panthers. This historical context adds another layer of complexity to the current situation facing the team.
As the Panthers continue their quest to find a stable solution at the quarterback position, the hope now rests on Andy Dalton's shoulders, at least for the immediate future. For Bryce Young, there remains potential and room for growth as he navigates the early stages of his NFL career. The storyline for both the player and the team is still unfolding, with many chapters yet to be written.