Carolina Panthers' Quarterback Conundrum: A Story of Struggles and Shifts
The Carolina Panthers' quest for stability at the quarterback position has been nothing short of tumultuous. In recent seasons, the franchise has grappled with inconsistency, injuries, and underperformance among its quarterbacks. This ongoing saga has now led to a new chapter, as the Panthers turn to veteran Andy Dalton in hopes of reversing their fortunes.
Bryce Young's Rocky Start
Bryce Young, once viewed as a beacon of hope for the Panthers, has faced unexpected challenges. Despite the expectations that come with being a former No. 1 overall pick, Young's time as the Panthers' starting quarterback has been marred by struggles. Posting a 2-16 record over the last two seasons, including an 0-2 start this year, Young's performance has not met the high hopes that accompanied his selection.
This season, the young quarterback completed 31 of 56 attempts, with no touchdowns, three interceptions, and six sacks. The harsh reality of the NFL spotlight can often be unforgiving for young players, and Young's journey underscores this truth.
The Decision to Bench Young
Faced with these challenges, the Panthers' coaching staff made the difficult decision to bench Young after just 18 starts. This move, while seemingly drastic, was aimed at giving the team a chance to regroup and find a way forward. Enter veteran quarterback Andy Dalton, whose experience and leadership will now be relied upon to guide the team through this turbulent period.
Mayfield and Darnold's Resurgence
The quarterback saga in Carolina also highlights the stories of former Panthers quarterbacks who have found success elsewhere. Baker Mayfield, who recorded a 1-5 record during his time with the Panthers, has experienced a career resurgence. Reflecting on his time in Carolina, Mayfield shared insights into the challenges faced by young quarterbacks.
"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 said. "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."
Mayfield's perspective highlights the importance of a supportive environment for a quarterback's development. With the Cleveland Browns, Mayfield went 29-30 as a starter, but his stint in Carolina was marked by his worst completion percentage (57.8) and worst passing success rate (36). The challenges in Carolina contrast sharply with his current situation, where Mayfield feels better suited and more confident.
"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 Struggles and Hopes for a Turnaround
Beyond the individual stories of Young and Mayfield, the Panthers' struggles at the quarterback position extend over a longer timeline. Not since Cam Newton in 2017 has a Panthers quarterback finished a season with a winning record as a starter. Newton, along with Jake Delhomme, stands as one of the only Carolina quarterbacks since 2008 to achieve a winning record as a starter.
These historical struggles underline the pressing need for the franchise to find and develop a consistent, successful quarterback. As the Panthers look ahead, the hope is that Andy Dalton can provide stability and mentorship, creating an environment where young quarterbacks like Bryce Young can eventually thrive.
The road ahead is uncertain, but the Panthers' story is a testament to the complexities and challenges of the NFL. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the team navigates this latest chapter in their ongoing pursuit of excellence at the quarterback position.