The Carolina Panthers' search for stability at the quarterback position continues to be a perplexing plight. Over the years, the franchise has struggled to secure a consistent and reliable presence under center. The latest chapter in this ongoing saga involves Bryce Young, a former No. 1 overall pick, who found himself benched after just 18 starts.
Young's tenure with the Panthers has been anything but smooth. Over the last two seasons, he posted a disappointing 2-16 record, including an 0-2 start this year. His performance this season further underscored the struggles, completing only 31 of 56 attempts, with no touchdowns, three interceptions, and six sacks. Such figures precipitated the team's decision to turn to veteran quarterback Andy Dalton, in hopes of salvaging the season.
Reflecting on Young's struggles, former Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield offered an insightful perspective. "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 commented. "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 words carry weight given his own tumultuous stint with the Panthers. Renowned for his fiery competitiveness, Mayfield recorded just a 1-5 record during his time in Carolina, enduring his worst completion percentage (57.8) and passing success rate (36%). His subsequent emergence with a new team underscores the sentiment that sometimes, it’s about finding the right environment to thrive.
Additionally, Sam Darnold, another former Panthers signal-caller, has found success away from Carolina. Their combined experiences might hint at deeper issues within the franchise concerning the support provided to their quarterbacks.
For a team that has seen varying levels of talent at the quarterback position, maintaining a winning record has been a rare feat. Notably, the last Panthers quarterback to finish a season with a winning record as a starter was Cam Newton in 2017. Newton, alongside Jake Delhomme, stands as one of the only two Carolina quarterbacks to achieve a winning record as starters since 2008.
In contrasting the Panthers’ historical struggles at quarterback, Mayfield sheds light on a broader narrative. "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," he said.
As the Panthers move forward with Andy Dalton at the helm, questions linger about Bryce Young's development and future potential. Will a change of scenery, similar to Mayfield and Darnold's, be the catalyst for unlocking his talent? Or can the franchise find a way to build around him to foster success where they have once failed?
The narrative of quarterbacks struggling in Carolina but thriving elsewhere is becoming a trend the organization must address. Whether through better support, improved coaching, or an overhaul of strategic direction, the answer remains elusive. What is clear, however, is the pressing need for the Panthers to put an end to this cycle and establish long-term stability at one of the sport's most critical positions.