In the ever-unpredictable journey of the Carolina Panthers, the search for a reliable quarterback remains an elusive quest. The franchise's latest bid for stability under center has encountered a significant roadblock with the benching of Bryce Young, a former No. 1 overall draft pick, after merely 18 starts.
Bryce Young's Struggles
Bryce Young's tenure in Carolina has been marked by difficulty and disappointment. Over the past two seasons, he has compiled a 2-16 record, including a rough 0-2 start this year. His statistical output this season—31 completions on 56 attempts, no touchdowns, three interceptions, and enduring six sacks—paints a harsh picture of his challenges on the field. Such struggles led to the difficult decision to bench him and seek a more seasoned hand at the wheel.
Turning to Veteran Leadership
Enter Andy Dalton, the experienced veteran, as the new quarterback for the Panthers. Dalton has been called upon to navigate the turbulent seas that have capsized many of his predecessors. It's a decision rooted in experience and an effort to stabilize a spiraling situation.
Former Quarterbacks Finding Success Elsewhere
In examining the Panthers' recent history, it's evident that the quarterback position has been a carousel of inconsistency. Notably, former Panthers quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold have turned their careers around with new teams. Mayfield's time in Carolina was particularly underwhelming, as he recorded a dismal 1-5 record. His performance hit career lows with a 57.8% completion rate and a 36% passing success rate.
Despite these struggles, Mayfield has found new life outside of Carolina. Reflecting on his experiences, Mayfield stated, "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."
Challenges of Young Quarterbacks
Mayfield's insights resonate deeply with the situation Bryce Young faces. Finding oneself in an environment where surrounding pieces don't align can hinder even the most promising talents. "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 added.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
As the Panthers grapple with their quarterback conundrum, it's worth noting the historical context. The last quarterback to finish a season with a winning record for Carolina was Cam Newton in 2017. Newton, along with Jake Delhomme, are the only Panthers quarterbacks since 2008 to achieve this feat, highlighting the lengthy struggle for consistent excellence under center.
For the Carolina Panthers, the search for a franchise quarterback continues to be a pressing priority. As Bryce Young steps back to regroup, Andy Dalton steps forward to provide a steady hand. Meanwhile, the franchise and its fans can only hope that, like Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, Young will find the right fit and the right pieces to unlock his potential, whether in Carolina or elsewhere.