The quest for a consistent quarterback has been an ongoing challenge for the Carolina Panthers. This season, the Panthers benched Bryce Young, a former No. 1 overall pick, after a mere 18 starts. Bryce Young’s tenure has been tumultuous at best, finishing with a 2-16 record over the past two seasons. This included a rocky 0-2 start to the current season. Young's performance this year saw him completing 31 of 56 pass attempts, without a single touchdown, throwing three interceptions, and being sacked six times.
In a bid to find stability, the Panthers have now turned to veteran Andy Dalton. Dalton’s role aims to bring experience and steadiness to a position that has seen a revolving door of players over the years. This shift also reflects on the performances of former Panthers quarterbacks who seemed to find their rhythm only after leaving the franchise. Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, both ex-Panthers quarterbacks, are currently thriving with their new teams.
Mayfield, during his stint with the Panthers, managed an underwhelming 1-5 record. His time in Carolina was marked by career lows, including a 57.8% completion rate and a passing success rate of just 36. It’s a stark contrast to his more balanced career record of 29-30 as a starter with the Cleveland Browns. Reflecting on his experience and drawing parallels to Bryce Young, Mayfield shared some insightful comments.
"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 said.
The journey for a young quarterback in the NFL is fraught with challenges, and the support system around them plays a pivotal role. Mayfield emphasized the importance of finding the right environment to succeed. "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."
The Panthers' quarterback woes aren't a recent development. The last time the franchise saw a quarterback finish the season with a winning record was back in 2017 with Cam Newton. Since 2008, Cam Newton and Jake Delhomme remain the only Carolina quarterbacks to achieve a winning record as starters. The search for a reliable quarterback has been long and arduous.
As Andy Dalton steps up, the Panthers hope his veteran presence will steady the ship. Dalton's career has been marked by consistency, and his experience might provide the stability and leadership that the Panthers desperately need. However, the transition underscores a broader narrative about the fragile nature of the quarterback position and the intricate factors that contribute to a player's success or failure.
The hope for Bryce Young, as echoed by Baker Mayfield’s words, lies in finding the right fit and rebuilding his confidence. The journey is undoubtedly far from finished, and the Panthers, alongside their fans, continue to seek the elusive combination of talent, opportunity, and support that can bring lasting success to their quarterback position.