In the ever-volatile world of the NFL, the Carolina Panthers find themselves grappling with a perennial challenge: finding a consistent quarterback to lead the team. The latest chapter in this ongoing saga involves Bryce Young, a former No. 1 overall pick, who, after a mere 18 starts, finds himself benched, underscoring the team's ongoing search for stability under center.
Young's tenure as the Panthers' starting quarterback has been fraught with difficulties. Over the past two seasons, he has managed a dismal 2-16 record, including an 0-2 start this year. His performance this season further highlights these struggles, with Young completing just 31 of 56 attempts, recording no touchdowns while throwing three interceptions, and enduring six sacks. The Panthers' decision to replace him with veteran Andy Dalton speaks volumes about their desperation to find a reliable signal-caller.
The struggles of Bryce Young echo issues faced by previous Panthers quarterbacks. Baker Mayfield, who spent a short stint with the Panthers, recorded a 1-5 record, marking some of the lowest points in his career. During his time in Carolina, Mayfield posted his worst completion percentage at 57.8 and had a dismal passing success rate of 36. This performance stands in stark contrast to his previous tenure with the Cleveland Browns, where he had a nearly even 29-30 record as a starter.
Interestingly, Baker Mayfield has found new life with a different team, illustrating how much context matters for a quarterback's success. Reflecting on his own experience and drawing a parallel with Young's current struggles, Mayfield explained, "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 further elaborated on the importance of environment and support for a quarterback's performance: "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."
Former Panther Sam Darnold's resurgence with a new team also underscores how a change of scenery can reinvigorate a player's career. However, this revolving door of quarterbacks points to a deeper issue within the Panthers organization—a systemic inability to build around their quarterbacks effectively. The last time a Panthers quarterback finished a season with a winning record was in 2017, under the leadership of Cam Newton. Newton, alongside Jake Delhomme, are the only Panthers quarterbacks to have achieved winning records as starters since 2008.
The decision to turn to Andy Dalton, with his extensive NFL experience, signals a shift towards seeking immediate stability. Dalton's veteran presence is hoped to bring a level of consistency to a team that has been mired in unpredictability at the quarterback position. The Panthers' leadership likely understands that while Dalton may not be a long-term solution, his experience and poise could provide a stabilizing influence in the short term.
In an era where quarterback performance can determine franchise fortunes, the Panthers' enduring turmoil at this position has hampered their potential. The experiences of players like Bryce Young and Baker Mayfield highlight the significant challenges young quarterbacks face, particularly in environments that may not play to their strengths. Conversely, they also underscore the potential for rejuvenation and success when surrounded by the right pieces and in the right conditions.
The Panthers' ongoing quest to find a solution at quarterback continues, as they hope to find the right formula to finally achieve some semblance of success and stability. The storylines of their past and present quarterbacks serve as a reminder that talent alone isn't enough—it must be paired with opportunity, support, and the right fit to truly succeed in the high-stakes world of professional football.