The Carolina Panthers have been on a prolonged search for a stable quarterback since the departure of Cam Newton, the last signal-caller to lead the team to a winning season in 2017. This quest has seen a revolving door of quarterbacks, the latest being Bryce Young, who was benched after just 18 starts. Despite his promising prospects as a former No. 1 overall pick, Young's tenure has been marked by struggles.
Bryce Young's Struggles
Bryce Young's stint with the Panthers has been far from the success story many envisioned. Over the past two seasons, Young has posted a dismal 2-16 record, including an 0-2 start this year. His statistics paint a grim picture of his performance: completing just 31 of 56 attempts without a single touchdown, while throwing three interceptions and being sacked six times.
Young's benching speaks volumes about the challenges the Panthers face in finding a quarterback who can lead them out of the abyss. The organization has pivoted to veteran quarterback Andy Dalton in hopes of steering the ship in a different direction.
A Look at Past Quarterbacks
The Panthers' quarterback woes are not confined to Bryce Young. Previous starters Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold have similarly struggled to leave a lasting impact. Now thriving with new teams, they represent missed opportunities for Carolina. Mayfield, in particular, had a rough stint with the Panthers, recording a 1-5 record. His time with the team was marked by his worst completion percentage (57.8) and passing success rate (36) in his career. Conversely, he managed a 29-30 record as a starter for the Cleveland Browns, highlighting that his struggles in Carolina were not indicative of his overall potential.
Veteran Insight
Reflecting on the journey of young quarterbacks like Bryce Young, Baker Mayfield offers a nuanced 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."
Mayfield's comments underscore the complex dynamics that influence a quarterback's success. The right environment, coaching, and supporting cast are crucial elements. "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," Mayfield adds, offering a glimmer of hope for Young's future.
Looking Forward with Andy Dalton
As the Panthers turn to Andy Dalton, they are placing their hopes on his veteran experience to bring some stability. Dalton, known for his steady play, could be the calming presence needed to guide a roster that has seen much turbulence. The Panthers' decision to bench a young, high-profile prospect like Bryce Young in favor of a seasoned veteran indicates a desire to stem the tide of losses and perhaps buy time for a more comprehensive rebuild.
Only time will tell if this latest move will bring the desired results. The Panthers' faithful will be watching closely, hoping that Dalton can offer consistency while the search for a long-term solution continues. The team's history since 2008, with only Cam Newton and Jake Delhomme achieving winning records as starters, serves as a stark reminder of the challenge that lies ahead.
The Carolina Panthers' quarterback saga continues, marked by high expectations, tough decisions, and the ever-elusive dream of sustained success. Fans and analysts alike will keenly observe whether the Panthers can finally find the stability at quarterback that they desperately need.