The Carolina Panthers' quarterback carousel continues to spin, with the franchise struggling to find a consistent solution under center. This perpetual search for stability saw Bryce Young, a former No. 1 overall pick, benched after just 18 starts. Young's record over the past two seasons stands at a disappointing 2-16, with an 0-2 start to this year further compounding the team's woes.
Bryce Young's Struggles
Young's recent performances have done little to inspire confidence. He completed 31 of 56 attempts without securing a single touchdown, while throwing three interceptions and enduring six sacks. It’s a stark reality for a player once heralded as a cornerstone for the franchise's future.
Speaking on the challenges faced by young quarterbacks, veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield offered his perspective. "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."
Veteran Presence
With Young benched, the Panthers have turned to seasoned veteran Andy Dalton. Experience and steady leadership are crucial for a team floundering in uncertainty. Dalton's role now includes not only performing on the field but also mentoring Young, potentially helping him discover the belief in himself once more.
Rebuilding Confidence
Baker Mayfield, another former Panthers quarterback, has found renewed success with a different team. Reflecting on his own journey, Mayfield said, "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."
Quarterback Carousel Continues
Mayfield’s tenure with the Panthers was far from stellar, with a 1-5 record and career-low statistics—a 57.8% completion rate and a passing success rate of 36%. Compare this to his time with the Cleveland Browns, where he managed a 29-30 record as their starter, and it’s evident how vital the right environment is for a quarterback's success.
Sam Darnold, another quarterback who briefly led the Panthers, has also seemingly found a better fit elsewhere. Both Mayfield and Darnold’s examples underscore the importance of context and support in a quarterback’s career arc.
Historical Context
The franchise’s struggle with finding a stable quarterback stretches back years. The last Panthers quarterback to end a season with a winning record as a starter was Cam Newton in 2017. Newton, along with Jake Delhomme, are the only two Carolina quarterbacks to achieve a winning record as starters since 2008. This prolonged instability under center highlights the difficulties the franchise has faced in replicating past successes.
For now, the Panthers look to Andy Dalton to navigate yet another phase in their search for consistency. Whether Bryce Young can regroup and realize his potential remains to be seen, but the franchise has a history of waiting for their quarterbacks to develop. In the meantime, the team and its fans hope that a veteran leader can provide the stability they've been sorely lacking.