The Carolina Panthers’ quarterback woes seem to be a never-ending story. Despite high hopes and significant investments, the franchise continues to struggle in its quest for a reliable and consistent leader under center.
Struggles of Bryce Young
Entering the season with former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young as their starting quarterback, Panthers' fans hoped for a turnaround. Yet, after merely 18 starts, Young found himself benched. His record of 2-16 over the past two seasons, including an 0-2 start this year, reflects the ongoing challenges. Within the limited attempts he had this season, Young completed 31 of 56 passes, with no touchdowns, three interceptions, and six sacks. These statistics illustrate the formidable obstacles he faced on the field.
Baker Mayfield, reflecting on Young's situation, 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."
Turn to Veteran Leadership
With Young's struggles, the Panthers have turned to veteran quarterback Andy Dalton in hopes of finding some stability. Dalton’s experience is expected to offer a steadier hand, at least temporarily. The move to Dalton is a clear indication that the team is looking to stabilize an offense that has yet to find its rhythm.
Former Quarterbacks Now Thriving
Adding to the Panthers' frustrations is the success of former quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold with their new teams. Mayfield, in particular, has found a better fit after moving on from Carolina. During his time with the Panthers, Mayfield had a dismal 1-5 record, along with his career-worst completion percentage of 57.8% and a passing success rate of 36. His overall tenure with the Cleveland Browns was more balanced, with a 29-30 record as a starter, showcasing his potential when given the right conditions.
As Mayfield puts it, "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."
The Legacy of Winning Records
It’s been a challenging period for the Panthers in terms of finding a quarterback who can lead the team to a winning season. The last time Carolina had a quarterback finish a season with a winning record as a starter was in 2017 with Cam Newton. Since 2008, only Newton and Jake Delhomme have managed to achieve this feat, underscoring the persistent difficulties in maintaining a winning performance from the quarterback position.
This persistent quarterback carousel has had a lasting impact on the franchise's fortunes. It seems every few years, the Panthers find themselves back at square one, searching for that elusive combination of talent and fit that can drive sustained success. The hope now is that with Dalton’s guidance, they might find some immediate stability while still holding out hope that Young can develop into the franchise quarterback they envisioned.
In the ever-evolving world of the NFL, the quarterback position remains a focal point. For the Carolina Panthers, the search for a reliable and winning quarterback continues, shaping the future of the team and its prospects. As they reconfigure their strategy yet again, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, hoping that this time, they can finally break the cycle.