The Carolina Panthers have had their share of challenges when it comes to finding a reliable quarterback. The recent developments with Bryce Young only emphasize the ongoing struggles of the franchise to solidify the most crucial position on the field.
Bryce Young's Struggles
Bryce Young, the former No. 1 overall pick, entered the league with high expectations but was benched after just 18 starts. Over the past two seasons, Young managed only a 2-16 record, including a dispiriting 0-2 start this year. His recent performance saw him complete 31 of 56 attempts, yielding no touchdowns, three interceptions, and enduring six sacks.
A Turn to Experience
Faced with these struggles, the Panthers have decided to turn to veteran Andy Dalton as their new quarterback. The decision comes as the team looks for stability and leadership that can potentially steer them back onto a winning path.
The History of Carolina Quarterbacks
The woes of the Panthers' quarterbacks are not new. Before Bryce Young, names like Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold tried their luck with the franchise. Mayfield's time in Carolina was notably tough, as he recorded a 1-5 record. His stint with the Panthers saw him attain his lowest completion percentage at 57.8% and a disappointing passing success rate of 36. After struggling in Carolina, Mayfield has since found a better fit elsewhere.
"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," Baker Mayfield reflected on his experience.
Learning from the Past
Mayfield's experiences echo the sentiments of many who have tried and failed to succeed as quarterbacks in Carolina. His words resonate with the challenges faced by many young quarterbacks in the league, particularly when not surrounded by the right support system. "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," he elaborated.
The Record and Legacy
The Panthers' struggle at the quarterback position is highlighted by the fact that the last quarterback to finish a season with a winning record as a starter was Cam Newton in 2017. Since then, only Cam Newton and Jake Delhomme have managed to achieve a winning record as starters for the team since 2008.
Throughout their careers, many quarterbacks have found their stride after moving on from Carolina. This brings a glimmer of hope for current players like Bryce Young. While his start might have been rocky, the path ahead could still hold promise, particularly if taken as a learning experience and an opportunity to find the right fit elsewhere or within different circumstances.
As the Panthers look to Andy Dalton for immediate stability, the franchise remains on a quest for enduring success at the quarterback position. For now, Bryce Young’s future hangs in the balance, echoing the experiences of Mayfield and others who’ve traversed the same challenging path. Young's story, as Mayfield suggests, is far from finished, offering a potential for redemption and success that remains to be written.