The Carolina Panthers have faced a tumultuous journey in finding a consistent quarterback, a task that has proven difficult in recent years. This quarterback carousel saw former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young benched after just 18 starts, a move that reflects both the team's impatience and the harsh realities of NFL performance metrics.
Bryce Young's Struggles
Bryce Young's tenure at Carolina has been fraught with challenges. Over the last two seasons, Young posted a 2-16 record, including an 0-2 start this year. The decision to bench him arose as his performance metrics dwindled. This season alone, Young completed 31 of 56 attempts, with no touchdowns, three interceptions, and six sacks—statistics that offer a bleak picture of his struggles.
Enter Andy Dalton
The Panthers have now turned to veteran Andy Dalton in hopes of stabilizing their offense. Dalton's experience contrasts sharply with the early-career turbulence that Young has experienced. The shift to Dalton is a clear signal that Carolina is seeking more immediate and dependable results, rather than betting on the development of rookie talent.
Quartet of Former Panthers Quarterbacks
The Panthers’ current dilemma is not a new phenomenon for the team. Two of their former quarterbacks, Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, are now thriving with new teams. Mayfield, another former No. 1 overall pick, struggled mightily during his brief period in Carolina. He recorded a 1-5 record, his worst completion percentage (57.8), and his worst passing success rate (36) during his tenure. Mayfield's previous stint with the Cleveland Browns saw him going 29-30 as a starter, a slight improvement but still inconsistent. Darnold, on the other hand, paired with Mayfield, is now flourishing at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Minnesota Vikings, respectively, both starting the 2024 season with a 2-0 record.
Mayfield's career trajectory has been anything but linear. After his rough patch in Carolina, he ended the 2022 season with the Los Angeles Rams. Commenting on his experiences and reflecting on Young's current challenges, Mayfield stated, "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 added, "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."
Historical Context
Such instability at the quarterback position is not new for the Panthers. The last time a Panthers quarterback finished a season with a winning record as a starter was Cam Newton in 2017, who managed to post a 9-8 record. Newton, along with Jake Delhomme in 2008, are the only Carolina quarterbacks to achieve a winning record as starters since then.
This context underlines the difficulty that the franchise has had in sustaining success at this vital position. The revolving door of QBs indicates a broader systemic issue within the organization—one that might not solely hinge on individual talents but also on the convergence of coaching, supporting roster, and organizational stability.
As the Panthers continue their season with Andy Dalton at the helm, the team hopes for a steadier performance. While Bryce Young's future remains uncertain, the quarterback's early career setbacks serve as harsh reminders of the complexities and demands of professional football. Young's opportunity to regain his footing and prove his mettle might come sooner than expected, but for now, the Panthers turn to Dalton for immediate leadership and stability.