The Carolina Panthers' quarterback carousel continues to spin, and the latest chapter in this saga has left fans and analysts pondering the franchise's direction. The Panthers have struggled to find a steady hand under center, and the benching of Bryce Young, a former No. 1 overall pick, underscores this ongoing issue.
Bryce Young's Struggles
Bryce Young's tenure with the Panthers has been marred by inconsistency and lackluster performance. After just 18 starts, the organization decided to bench him. His record of 2-16 over the last two seasons, including an 0-2 start this year, highlights the hurdles he faced. This season alone, Young completed only 31 of 56 attempts, with no touchdowns, three interceptions, and six sacks.
The decision to bench a former top pick so early in his career speaks volumes about the challenges he encountered. Bryce found himself without the support system necessary for a young quarterback to thrive. "Obviously mine didn't happen in the same time frame with Bryce, but [being a] quarterback's hard, especially for young guys," Baker Mayfield reflected. "When you're not surrounded by the pieces, [you're] not given the opportunity to have success."
Transitioning to Andy Dalton
In a bid to stabilize the position, the Panthers have turned to veteran Andy Dalton. Dalton's experience and leadership are seen as vital assets for a team desperate for consistency. Nevertheless, the constant shift in quarterback personnel highlights deeper issues within the franchise, particularly in building a cohesive and supportive environment for their signal callers.
Historical Context and the Weight of Expectations
The Panthers' history with quarterbacks has been checkered, to say the least. Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, both former Panthers quarterbacks, seem to have rejuvenated their careers with new teams. Mayfield, who recorded a dismal 1-5 record during his time with Carolina, is a prime example of this newfound success. His tenure with the Panthers was marked by his worst completion percentage (57.8) and worst passing success rate (36). Comparing this with his 29-30 record as a starter with the Cleveland Browns provides a stark contrast.
The last Panthers quarterback to finish a season with a winning record as a starter was Cam Newton in 2017. Newton, along with Jake Delhomme, remains one of the few bright spots in the team’s quarterback history since 2008. Such statistical evidence fortifies the argument that the Panthers have struggled to find and develop a long-term solution at the quarterback position.
Mayfield's Insights
Mayfield, who has experienced both the highs and lows of the position, offered insight into the difficulty of succeeding as a quarterback without the necessary support system. "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," he said. "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’s comments reflect an understanding that the right environment can make a significant difference in a quarterback's performance. His words suggest that Young's current struggles might not solely lie within his abilities but could also be attributed to the fit and support around him.
Future Outlook
The Panthers’ decision to pivot to Dalton is a temporary fix for a long-term issue. The organization needs to focus on building a supportive infrastructure around their quarterbacks to ensure lasting success. Whether Young will get another chance remains to be seen, but his story, as Mayfield aptly put it, is "far, far from finished." For now, Dalton's experience provides a semblance of stability, but the franchise's underlying issues with quarterback development and support must be addressed to break this cycle of inconsistency.