In a sport where stability and consistency at the quarterback position can make or break a team's season, the Carolina Panthers have struggled to find their footing. The challenge of securing a franchise quarterback has been a persistent issue for the Panthers, and recent developments suggest that the search continues.
A Rocky Road for Bryce Young
Bryce Young, a former No. 1 overall pick, exemplifies the Panthers' recent quarterback woes. Despite high expectations, Young was benched after just 18 starts. Over the past two seasons, he posted a dismal 2-16 record. This season's early performance hasn't provided much hope either, with an 0-2 start, completing 31 of 56 attempts with no touchdowns, three interceptions, and six sacks.
The decision to bench Young reflects the broader issues the Panthers face in developing and maintaining a reliable presence under center. Young's struggles highlight how challenging the quarterback position can be, especially for young players not surrounded by the right pieces. "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," said Baker Mayfield, himself a former Panthers quarterback.
Andy Dalton Steps In
In light of Young's struggles, the Panthers have turned to veteran quarterback Andy Dalton. His experience offers a potential short-term solution, but the long-term question of who will be the Panthers' franchise quarterback remains unresolved.
The flux at quarterback isn't new for Carolina. Over the past few years, the team has cycled through several quarterbacks, hoping to find a stable option. Notably, Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, both former Panthers quarterbacks, have found new life and success with their respective teams after leaving Carolina.
Baker Mayfield's Career Shift
Mayfield’s journey has been particularly telling. During his stint with the Panthers, he recorded a 1-5 record, his worst completion percentage (57.8), and his worst passing success rate (36). Yet, his career record as a starter with the Cleveland Browns paints a different picture, where he went 29-30. His reflections on his time with the Panthers highlight the importance of fit and support for a quarterback’s success. "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 stated.
The Search for Stability
The Panthers' last quarterback to finish a season with a winning record was Cam Newton in 2017. Newton and Jake Delhomme are the only Carolina quarterbacks to achieve a winning record as starters since 2008. This fact underscores the team's ongoing struggle to find and maintain an effective leader on the field.
Carolina's quarterback carousel reflects a broader issue within the organization—a lack of stability and support necessary for a young quarterback to thrive. As the team turns to Andy Dalton and looks ahead to potential future draft picks or trades, fans and analysts alike will be watching keenly to see if and when the Panthers can finally solve their quarterback conundrum.
In a league where the quarterback position is paramount, the Panthers' sustained search for a reliable option remains one of their most pressing challenges. The hope is that with time, either Dalton can provide the necessary leadership to steady the ship, or a new prospect can emerge, ready to lead the franchise with stability and success.