In recent years, the Carolina Panthers have struggled with an ongoing quest to identify a consistent and reliable quarterback. The most recent chapter in this saga involves Bryce Young, the former No. 1 overall pick, who faces turbulence early in his career.
Bryce Young's Struggles
Despite high expectations, Young's tenure with the Panthers has been tumultuous. After just 18 starts, his performance has forced the team to reconsider his role. Over the past two seasons, Young has posted a dismal 2-16 record, including a winless 0-2 start this year. This season alone, his statistics tell a story of struggle: 31 completions on 56 attempts, zero touchdowns, three interceptions, and six sacks.
The decision to bench Young underscores the difficulties he has faced in adapting to the NFL and finding his rhythm within the Panthers’ offense. It's a sobering setback for a player once hailed as a future star.
Turn to Veteran Leadership
In response to Young's struggles, the Panthers have turned to veteran quarterback Andy Dalton. Dalton's experience offers a contrast to the youthful potential of Young, bringing a steady hand to a franchise in need of stability.
Reflections from Former Panthers Quarterbacks
As the Panthers navigate their quarterback challenges, it’s hard not to draw parallels with the experiences of former players, notably Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, who have found new beginnings and success with other teams. During his tenure with the Panthers, Mayfield recorded a 1-5 record, marking one of the most challenging phases of his career. His performance metrics were disheartening, with a completion percentage of just 57.8 and a passing success rate of 36 percent.
Mayfield, now thriving, reflected on the difficult transition faced by young quarterbacks like Bryce Young. "Obviously mine didn't happen in the same time frame with Bryce, but [being a] quarterback's hard, especially for young guys," Mayfield said. "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 perspective is valuable, offering insight into the broader context that affects a quarterback's performance. He added, "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."
A History of Struggles
The Panthers' quarterback woes are not a recent phenomenon. The team has long been in search of a stable and successful presence under center. Since 2008, only two Panthers quarterbacks—Cam Newton and Jake Delhomme—have finished a season with a winning record. Newton, who last achieved this feat in 2017, has been the last glimmer of consistency at the position for the Panthers.
Looking Forward
The journey for the Carolina Panthers and their quarterbacks is a story still unfolding. Bryce Young’s early career obstacles mirror the wider struggles the franchise has faced in finding a dependable leader on the field. With Andy Dalton now at the helm, the franchise hopes to stabilize and perhaps provide Young with the mentorship and environment needed to find his footing and ultimately succeed.
The narrative of quarterbacks finding success elsewhere, like Mayfield, serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between talent, opportunity, and fit. As the Panthers look to the future, the hope is that the pieces will eventually fall into place, allowing their quarterbacks to unlock their full potential and lead the team to success.