The Carolina Panthers have faced a tumultuous journey in their quest to find a consistent and reliable quarterback. This ongoing struggle was once again highlighted when Bryce Young, a former No. 1 overall pick, was benched after just 18 starts.
Young's tenure with the Panthers has been far from impressive. Over the past two seasons, he has posted a dismal 2-16 record, including an 0-2 start this year. This season alone, he completed 31 of 56 attempts without managing a single touchdown, while throwing three interceptions and enduring six sacks. The numbers speak volumes about the challenges both Young and the Panthers have faced.
New Direction with a Veteran Presence
In response to these struggles, the Panthers have turned to veteran quarterback Andy Dalton. The hope is that Dalton's experience and poise can stabilize the offense and provide a much-needed spark. The Carolina front office is betting that Dalton’s veteran presence can bring a semblance of stability to an offense that has often seemed lost on the field.
This transition underscores a broader pattern for the Panthers. Finding a stable quarterback has been a perennial issue, and the team's impatience with quarterbacks has been closely scrutinized. Recent history saw both Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, former Panthers quarterbacks, part ways with the team only to find success elsewhere. The question of whether the issue lies with the players or the system becomes increasingly pertinent.
Mayfield and Darnold’s Resurgence
Mayfield's experience with the Panthers was notably lackluster. He recorded a 1-5 record during his stint and posted his worst completion percentage (57.8) and passing success rate (36), statistics he certainly would like to forget. Yet, his initial struggles in Carolina stand in stark contrast to his time with the Cleveland Browns, where he went 29-30 as a starter. Today, Mayfield appears to be thriving with his new team, bolstering the view that the fit within the organization plays a significant role in a quarterback's success.
Mayfield himself expressed empathy for Young’s situation, explaining, "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."
Sam Darnold has experienced a similar resurgence. His departure from Carolina allowed him to reset his career, and he too is finding success with a different team. This pattern raises questions about the Panthers' ability to nurture and develop quarterback talent.
The Cam Newton Legacy
The last Panthers quarterback to finish a season with a winning record as a starter was Cam Newton in 2017. Newton's legacy looms large over the franchise, and his success – along with that of Jake Delhomme – stands as a benchmark the team has struggled to meet in recent years.
Since 2008, only Newton and Delhomme have achieved winning records as starters for the Panthers. This fact underscores the weight of the challenge facing the current and future quarterbacks of the franchise. Consistency at the quarterback position seems to be the elusive key that could unlock greater success for the Panthers organization.
Looking Ahead
Mayfield offered further insights, emphasizing the importance of fit and belief in oneself: "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."
As the Panthers move forward with Andy Dalton, the hope is that the veteran's leadership can provide a short-term fix while the franchise continues its search for a long-term solution at quarterback. The lessons from Mayfield and Darnold's careers serve as a reminder that talent alone is not enough; finding the right environment and support is crucial for any quarterback's success.
The journey for the Panthers continues, and only time will tell if they can finally find the stability they have long sought at the quarterback position.