The Carolina Panthers' Struggles with Consistent Quarterback Play
The Carolina Panthers have faced persistent issues at the quarterback position, with their latest effort involving Bryce Young ending in disappointment. A former No. 1 overall pick, Young was benched after just 18 starts, leaving the Panthers with more questions than answers. Over the last two seasons, Young posted a dismal 2-16 record, including an 0-2 start this year. His performance thus far has seen him complete 31 of 56 attempts without any touchdowns, and he has thrown three interceptions and taken six sacks.
This challenging start has led the Panthers to turn to the veteran Andy Dalton as their new signal-caller. The move reflects the franchise's ongoing search for stability at the quarterback position, a challenge they've struggled with for years. Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, both of whom had unremarkable tenures with the Panthers, have since found success with other teams.
Baker Mayfield's Carolina stint is particularly notable. During his time with the Panthers, he managed just a 1-5 record as a starter. His completion percentage plummeted to a career-low 57.8%, and he recorded his worst passing success rate at 36%. These numbers starkly contrast with his performance as a starter with the Cleveland Browns, where he went 29-30.
Reflecting on his experiences, Mayfield noted, "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."
As the Panthers navigate yet another quarterback transition, it’s hard not to look back at their history of struggle in this key position. The last Panthers quarterback to finish a season with a winning record as a starter was Cam Newton in 2017. Since 2008, only Newton and Jake Delhomme have managed to achieve winning records as starters for Carolina.
Mayfield's own resurgence with a new team offers a glimmer of hope for Bryce Young and the Panthers. "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 expressed, perhaps offering some sage advice and hope for Young moving forward.
The Panthers' struggles at quarterback are emblematic of broader systemic issues within the team. Effective quarterback play is often a product of a cohesive unit, including a solid offensive line, reliable receivers, and a strategic coaching staff. For Young, and now Dalton, to find success in Carolina, the entire organization will need to rally and address these interconnected components.
As the season progresses, the spotlight remains firmly on how the Panthers and their veteran quarterback Andy Dalton will steer the ship. With a legacy of inconsistency at the most critical position, Carolina's current management faces the tall task of not only securing wins but also setting a foundation that future quarterbacks can build upon. For Bryce Young, although his start has been rocky, there remains a pathway for growth and eventual success, provided the pieces around him can come together.
In the tumultuous world of NFL quarterbacking, both patience and the right fit are paramount. The Panthers, having cycled through multiple quarterbacks in recent years, must now hope that their latest changes will yield a steadier and more successful course.