The Carolina Panthers' quest for a steadfast quarterback seems far from over as they continue to shuffle their roster in hopes of finding a solution. The latest chapter in this ongoing saga saw former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young benched after just 18 starts. Over the past two seasons, Young has struggled to find his footing, managing a mere 2-16 record, including an 0-2 start this year.
Young's performance this season has been particularly lackluster, completing only 31 of 56 passes without throwing a single touchdown. Instead, he has been intercepted three times and sacked on six occasions, underlining the challenges he faced on the field. With his benching, the Panthers have turned to veteran Andy Dalton to steer the ship, hoping his experience might offer a steadier hand.
A History of Struggles
This isn't the first time the Panthers have had difficulty finding a reliable quarterback. The franchise’s quarterback woes date back years, with high-profile names coming and going without delivering lasting success. Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, both former Panthers quarterbacks, are now witnessing a newfound resurgence with their current teams.
Mayfield's stint with Carolina was notably underwhelming; he recorded a dismal 1-5 record during his tenure and hit career lows in completion percentage (57.8) and passing success rate (36). Reflecting on his experience, Mayfield offered some empathetic insights regarding Young's current predicament: "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.”
Mayfield's Perspective
Mayfield's words shed light on the broader issues that may plague young quarterbacks in Carolina. Being a quarterback is inherently challenging, and without the right supporting cast and coaching, even the brightest talents can falter. "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 continued, pointing out the multifaceted nature of quarterback success.
Mayfield's own journey seems to underline this theory. Now playing for a new team, he perceives his current situation as a marked improvement over his time with the Panthers. "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," he observed. His sense of optimism extends to Bryce Young, whom he believes will eventually bounce back. "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."
A Longstanding Challenge
The struggles of Mayfield and Young echo a longer-term issue for the Panthers. The team has found it difficult to secure a dependable starting quarterback since Cam Newton's successful run. Newton, along with Jake Delhomme, stands out as one of the rare Carolina quarterbacks to post a winning season as starters since 2008. The franchise's last taste of such success came in 2017 with Newton at the helm.
The Panthers' frequent changes at the quarterback position reflect both the high expectations and the high pressure associated with the role. Each new quarterback arrives with promise but faces a daunting array of obstacles. Whether Andy Dalton can turn the tide remains to be seen, but the team and its fans are undoubtedly hoping for stability and a return to winning ways.
In a sport where a single player often shoulders the hopes of an entire franchise, achieving success as a quarterback requires more than individual talent. It demands a well-oiled team, astute coaching, and a supportive environment. Bryce Young's journey, while currently rocky, holds the promise of redemption, and the Panthers' faithful can only hope that brighter days are ahead.