The Carolina Panthers are once again navigating the turbulent waters of quarterback inconsistency. The team has struggled to find a stable and productive presence under center, a challenge that has only deepened with the recent benching of Bryce Young, the former No. 1 overall pick.
Bryce Young's Struggles
Bryce Young, highly anticipated as the solution to the Panthers' quarterback woes, found himself sidelined after just 18 starts. The numbers tell a harsh story: a 2-16 record across two seasons, including an 0-2 start this year. Young's stats have been disappointing, completing only 31 of 56 attempts without a single touchdown, while throwing three interceptions and enduring six sacks. Such performances have led Head Coach Frank Reich to reconsider Young's role as the team attempts to turn their season around.
Veteran Leadership in Andy Dalton
In response to Young's struggles, the Panthers have turned to the experienced arm of veteran Andy Dalton. Known for his leadership and steady play, Dalton is now at the helm, looking to guide a team desperately needing consistency and success. His presence might offer a much-needed stabilizing effect on the Panthers' offensive front.
Historical Struggles and Glimpses of Hope
This quarterback turmoil is a recurring theme for Carolina. Even notable names like Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold have found greener pastures after moving on from the Panthers. Mayfield, who struggled mightily with a 1-5 record during his tenure with Carolina, recorded his worst completion percentage (57.8) and passing success rate (36) during this time. Nevertheless, Mayfield's career has seen brighter days, with a near .500 record (29-30) as a starter for the Cleveland Browns before his short stint with the Panthers.
Mayfield candidly reflected on the challenges faced by young quarterbacks in difficult situations, saying, "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."
A Strong Foundation Still Needed
Mayfield’s departure, along with Sam Darnold’s success elsewhere, underscores the systemic issues plaguing the Panthers. Darnold, like Mayfield, has thrived away from Charlotte, shedding light on what might be a deeper organizational challenge rather than issues with the quarterbacks themselves.
As Mayfield put it, "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." Such insights suggest that Young’s disappointing start isn't entirely on his shoulders.
Revisiting Past Success
The Panthers have seen only brief flashes of quarterback stability and success in recent memory. Cam Newton remains the last quarterback to finish a season with a winning record for Carolina, achieving this feat in 2017. Newton, along with Jake Delhomme, are the only Panthers quarterbacks to boast a winning record as starters since 2008. These highlights do little to offset the team's ongoing struggles but do serve as a reminder of what steady leadership under center can accomplish.
For the Carolina Panthers, the search for a reliable quarterback continues. With Bryce Young benched and Andy Dalton stepping in, the team is in the midst of another transitional phase. While Dalton brings experience, only time will tell if he can provide the consistency that has eluded the Panthers for so long. For now, the focus remains on bringing the pieces together to create a cohesive unit capable of supporting and elevating their quarterback, whoever that might ultimately be.