The Carolina Panthers' quarterback woes continue, a saga that seems to have no end. Struggles to find a consistent leader at the quarterback position have plagued the team, with the latest chapter involving Bryce Young, the former No. 1 overall pick. Young, who was expected to be a cornerstone for the franchise, has found himself on the bench after only 18 starts.
Bryce Young's Short-Lived Tenure
Bryce Young's statistics over the last two seasons paint a bleak picture. With a 2-16 record, including a winless 0-2 start this year, his performance has drawn criticism and concern. This season alone, he completed 31 of 56 attempts without notching any touchdowns, throwing three interceptions, and succumbing to six sacks. Despite the high hopes pinned on him, Young never appeared to find his rhythm.
As a result, the Panthers have called upon veteran quarterback Andy Dalton to take over. Dalton, known for his experience and solid play, is now tasked with steadying the ship for Carolina. The pressing question is whether Dalton can succeed where others, including Young, have faltered.
The Veteran Backup
The decision to start Dalton reflects a trend in Carolina—relying on seasoned quarterbacks when the going gets tough. Dalton’s track record and playstyle suggest he could bring a needed boost of stability and experience to the struggling team.
The Ghosts of Quarterbacks Past
It isn’t just Bryce Young's tenure that has been rocky. Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, both former Panthers quarterbacks, are now finding success with their new teams. For Mayfield, his time with the Panthers was particularly disappointing. He recorded a dismal 1-5 record, delivering his worst career completion percentage (57.8) and passing success rate (36). However, his journey post-Carolina has been more fruitful. Reflecting on his experience, Mayfield remarked, "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 comments on the challenges faced by young quarterbacks seem to echo the plight of Bryce Young. "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," he added, offering a glimpse of hope for Young amidst the criticism.
A Decade of Struggles
The Panthers' quarterback difficulties span more than just recent seasons. Since 2008, only Cam Newton and Jake Delhomme have managed to finish a season with a winning record. Newton, the last to achieve this feat in 2017, exemplified the kind of leadership Carolina longs for in their quarterback role today.
As one looks at Baker Mayfield's career span, it includes a nearly balanced 29-30 record with the Cleveland Browns, indicating that even quarterbacks with potential may struggle to find their footing in Carolina’s environment. The Panthers’ fanbase and organization alike hope that the trends of the past don't continue to haunt the team's future.
Looking Forward
For now, all eyes will be on Andy Dalton. Dalton’s performance in the upcoming games will be critical in determining if the Panthers can salvage their season. Meanwhile, the team and its fans can only hope that Bryce Young, Baker Mayfield, and others who have experienced the pressures of being a Panthers quarterback may find the right surroundings to thrive elsewhere.
The Carolina Panthers’ search for a consistent and successful quarterback continues to be a saga marked by high hopes and great challenges. As history has shown, finding the right fit is crucial not just for the player but for the entire franchise.