The quarterback conundrum in Carolina continues to persist, as the Panthers grapple with finding stability at the most critical position in football. After a series of unsuccessful trials, the latest casualty is Bryce Young, a former No. 1 overall pick, who was benched after just 18 starts for the Panthers.
Young's tenure has been marred by a dismal 2-16 record over the last two seasons, which includes an 0-2 start this year. His performance this season has been underwhelming, completing 31 of 56 attempts without throwing a single touchdown, while tallying three interceptions and enduring six sacks. The franchise, desperate for a turnaround, has now turned to veteran quarterback Andy Dalton to take the reins.
Bryce Young's Struggles
The Panthers had high hopes for Bryce Young, expecting that his collegiate success would translate into NFL stardom. Unfortunately, the harsh realities of professional football have painted a different picture. Young's struggles highlight the complex challenges that quarterbacks face when transitioning from college to the pros. As Baker Mayfield aptly stated, "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's words resonate deeply with Young’s situation. Despite having the talent and football intellect, the lack of essential team support and right fit has impeded his progress. This narrative isn't unique to Young—other quarterbacks have faced similar hurdles, suggesting a systemic issue within the organization.
The Rise and Fall of Past Quarterbacks
Baker Mayfield himself knows a thing or two about transitions and challenges. During his brief tenure with the Panthers, Mayfield recorded a woeful 1-5 record, marking the worst completion percentage (57.8) and passing success rate (36) of his career. This period was a stark contrast to his time with the Cleveland Browns, where he posted a 29-30 record as a starter.
Now thriving with a new team, Mayfield reflects on his journey and the turning tides of a quarterback's career. "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," he said. Understanding the necessity of a supportive environment and coaching staff is crucial for any quarterback's success.
Looking Back: Panthers' Quarterback History
The history of the Carolina Panthers' quarterback position is a tumultuous one. Since 2008, only Cam Newton and Jake Delhomme have finished a season with a winning record as starters. Newton, who led the team to the playoffs in 2017, remains the last Panthers quarterback to accomplish this feat. In the years following Newton's departure, the team has cycled through numerous quarterbacks without finding a long-term solution.
Adding to this roster shuffle were quarterbacks like Sam Darnold, who, similar to Mayfield, experienced a resurgence with new teams after underperforming with the Panthers. This constant change underscores the Panthers' ongoing struggle to find that elusive, stable quarterback to lead them to sustained success.
Andy Dalton: The New Hope?
In an effort to reclaim their season, the Panthers have turned to seasoned veteran Andy Dalton. Known for his steadiness and experience, Dalton presents a contrasting figure to the younger quarterbacks who have recently cycled through Carolina's ranks. Whether Dalton can stabilize the ship remains to be seen, but the confidence in his veteran capabilities provides a glimmer of hope for the franchise.
The Panthers' inability to maintain a consistent quarterback has been a glaring issue for over a decade. While surroundings, coaching, and fit play significant roles, the team's overall strategy and support infrastructure are equally under scrutiny. As Mayfield highlighted in his commentary on Young’s struggle, finding "the right opportunity, the right fit" is crucial for a quarterback’s growth and success.
For Bryce Young, the road ahead is still open. "His story is far, far from finished," Mayfield remarked, offering a reminder that early setbacks do not determine the final chapter. The Panthers, however, must take heed of their quarterback history and make strategic changes if they are to avoid repeating past mistakes and pave the way for future triumphs.