For years, the Carolina Panthers have struggled to find a consistent answer at quarterback. This season, the issue persists with Bryce Young, a former No. 1 overall pick, who has been benched after just 18 starts. Young's performance over the last two seasons has left much to be desired, posting a dismal 2-16 record, including an 0-2 start this year. His statistics haven't provided any solace either, completing just 31 of 56 attempts with no touchdowns, three interceptions, and six sacks.
Bryce Young Benched
The decision to bench Bryce Young underscores a troubling trend for the Panthers. The young quarterback was expected to be the franchise savior, yet his struggles highlight deeper organizational issues. Veteran quarterback Andy Dalton has been called upon to stabilize the team, but the challenges remain daunting.
Young’s inability to thrive in Carolina mirrors the experiences of other quarterbacks who have donned the Panthers jersey. Baker Mayfield, for instance, posted a 1-5 record during his stint with the team, recording his worst completion percentage (57.8) and passing success rate (36). These statistics stood in stark contrast to his overall career record of 29-30 as a starter with the Cleveland Browns.
Struggles Beyond Bryce Young
The difficulties at quarterback for the Panthers aren't isolated to recent years. The last 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 achieved a winning record as starting quarterbacks for the franchise, a testament to the prolonged instability at the pivotal position.
Baker Mayfield, now thriving with a new team, recently shared his thoughts on the arduous journey quarterbacks face, especially in challenging environments. "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," Mayfield stated.
Mayfield's Perspective
Reflecting on his own career, Mayfield continued, "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's observations resonate deeply with the current plight of the Panthers. The organization has changed quarterbacks frequently, but the consistency and chemistry necessary for success remain elusive. The shifting dynamics within the team, along with the need for reliable offensive weapons and strategic coaching, form a complex puzzle that has yet to be solved.
The Road Ahead
As the Panthers gear up for the remainder of the season, all eyes will be on Andy Dalton to see if he can provide the stability that has been sorely missing. The veteran quarterback brings experience and leadership, but whether this will translate into on-field success is still uncertain. Meanwhile, Bryce Young’s journey is far from over. Although his start in the NFL has been rocky, he has shown flashes of potential that could be realized under different circumstances or with a more supportive cast.
The narrative for the Carolina Panthers continues to be one of frustration and potential unrealized. With the spotlight on the quarterback position more brightly than ever, the team's ability to navigate this latest chapter will be crucial to shaping its future.