The Carolina Panthers have been wrestling with consistency at the quarterback position for years, a challenge that's reached new heights with the recent struggles of Bryce Young. The former No. 1 overall pick, once hailed as the franchise’s savior, found himself benched after just 18 starts in Carolina.
Over the last two seasons, Young's performance has left fans and analysts scratching their heads. He managed a dismal 2-16 record, including an 0-2 start this year. His stats paint a grim picture: completing 31 of 56 attempts, throwing no touchdowns, enduring three interceptions, and being sacked six times.
In a desperate bid to ignite a turnaround, the Panthers have now turned to veteran quarterback Andy Dalton. Dalton, with his extensive experience, is tasked with bringing stability to a position that's recently been a revolving door of disappointment for the franchise.
A History of Struggles
The Panthers' quarterback woes aren't new. Previous starters, including Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, never managed to find their footing in Carolina but have since thrived elsewhere. Mayfield's stint with the Panthers was particularly tough; he recorded a 1-5 record and posted career-worst figures with a 57.8% completion rate and a 36% passing success rate.
Despite these struggles, Mayfield's talent has been apparent in other settings. With the Cleveland Browns, he held a close-to-even record of 29-30 as a starter. Reflecting on the challenges faced by young quarterbacks like Bryce Young, Mayfield shared insightful thoughts.
"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 noted.
The Right Fit
Mayfield's words highlight a critical component of a quarterback's success: fit and support. He further elaborated on his current situation and how it contrasts with his time in Carolina.
"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," Mayfield added.
Indeed, the narrative of a quarterback's career is seldom straightforward. For the Panthers, the quest for a steadfast leader under center has been elusive. The last Carolina quarterback to finish a season with a winning record as a starter was Cam Newton in 2017, a feat only matched by Jake Delhomme and Newton since 2008.
Turning the Page
As Bryce Young steps back to reassess and rebuild, the Panthers are left to ponder what could have been and what might still be. His potential flashed moments of brilliance, but the inconsistency and lack of support cast long shadows over his tenure thus far.
Dalton's entry marks a new chapter. With a seasoned hand at the helm, the Panthers hope to stabilize and perhaps rejuvenate their battered offense. Whether this move sparks a resurgence remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Carolina Panthers' pursuit of a reliable quarterback continues.
The struggles of Mayfield, Darnold, and now Young, underscore the complexity of finding success behind center in the NFL. It's a mix of talent, opportunity, and timing, a delicate balance that only a few have managed to strike in the Panthers’ recent history. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Dalton and whether he can bring a semblance of stability to a franchise starved for consistent quarterback play.