After several seasons of instability at the quarterback position, the Carolina Panthers find themselves once again in search of the right fit. Despite their ongoing efforts, the team faces a series of challenges in stabilizing this crucial role within the franchise.
Bryce Young's Struggles
Bryce Young, who came into the league with high expectations as a former No. 1 overall pick, is the latest quarterback to falter under the pressures of leading the Panthers. After just 18 starts, Young has been benched, signaling yet another setback for the team's aspirations. Over the last two seasons, Young could not find his rhythm, posting a dismal 2-16 record. This season added salt to the wound with an 0-2 start, completing only 31 of his 56 attempts, and without throwing a single touchdown. His stat line, marred by three interceptions and six sacks, does little to inspire confidence in his future with the team.
Enter Andy Dalton
In an effort to change course, the Panthers have turned to veteran quarterback Andy Dalton. Known for his experience and steady hand, Dalton is expected to bring a measure of stability to the position—an element that has been sorely lacking. The hope is that Dalton's presence can guide the team through its current rough patch and provide a foundation upon which to build for the future.
The Ghosts of Panthers' Past
Making matters more complex is the fact that former Panthers quarterbacks, Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, are finding success elsewhere. Mayfield, who recorded just a 1-5 record during his tenure with the Panthers, is now flourishing with a new team. His time in Carolina was marked by a career-low completion percentage of 57.8% and a passing success rate of only 36%. Interestingly, Mayfield's pre-Panthers career was more favorable; he went 29-30 as a starter with the Cleveland Browns, showing that he indeed has potential that Carolina couldn’t unlock.
A Historical Perspective
The last time a Panthers quarterback finished a season with a winning record as a starter was in 2017, under the helm of Cam Newton. Newton, alongside Jake Delhomme, stands as one of the only two Carolina quarterbacks to have achieved a winning record as starters since 2008. This drought underscores the systemic issues the Panthers face, as they continue to cycle through quarterbacks in search of a spark that will reignite the franchise's fortunes.
Expert Insights
Baker Mayfield, speaking from his own experiences, offers a nuanced understanding of the predicament facing Bryce Young and the Panthers. "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 explained.
Mayfield's comments highlight an often-overlooked component of a quarterback's success: the environment. "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," he added. This perspective brings a glimmer of hope that, with the right pieces and support, Bryce Young may yet find his footing in the league.
Looking forward, the Panthers are clearly in a transitional phase. With Andy Dalton stepping in and a history of other quarterbacks finding success post-Carolina, there’s cautious optimism that the franchise can eventually turn the corner. However, it will require more than just changes under center; it demands a holistic approach to building a cohesive and supportive environment that can nurture a quarterback’s potential into consistent, winning performances.