In the often turbulent seas of NFL quarterback play, the Carolina Panthers have navigated a particularly rough patch in recent years. The latest casualty in their quest for consistency under center is Bryce Young, a former No. 1 overall pick who finds himself benched after a mere 18 starts. Young's tenure has been fraught with difficulties, evidenced by a dismal 2-16 record over the past two seasons, including an 0-2 start this year. His performance metrics have not helped his case: Young completed just 31 of 56 attempts with no touchdowns, three interceptions, and finding himself sacked six times this season.
This decision to move on from Young represents yet another turn in the Panthers’ seemingly endless search for a franchise quarterback. Veteran Andy Dalton is tagged as the next man up, a move that speaks to the franchise's desperation for stability. Dalton brings a wealth of experience to the table, having started for multiple teams over his career. How well he will fare in a Panthers uniform, where many before him have struggled, remains to be seen.
The broader implications of yet another quarterback change in Carolina are multi-faceted. Former Panthers quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, both of whom struggled mightily during their time with the team, are finding success in new environments. Mayfield, who recorded a 1-5 record during his stint with the Panthers, posted his worst completion percentage (57.8) and passing success rate (36) during that period. In contrast, Mayfield now appears revitalized with his new team, a transformation he attributes to a better fit and 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," Mayfield said. "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 resonate deeply with the current Carolina situation. The last Panthers quarterback to finish a season with a winning record was Cam Newton in 2017. Notably, Newton, along with Jake Delhomme, are the only Carolina quarterbacks to have achieved a winning record as starters since 2008. This prolonged struggle highlights the systemic challenges within the organization.
Mayfield captures this sentiment well. "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 remarked.
The Carolina Panthers' quarterback carousel shows no signs of slowing, and the organization's fan base can only hope that Andy Dalton's veteran presence can provide some semblance of stability. However, the underlying issues seem to run deeper than any one player. The search for a true franchise quarterback continues, and until the Panthers can build a more supportive environment for their signal-callers, the cycle of change and underperformance is likely to persist.
As Panthers enthusiasts anxiously watch, the eyes of the NFL community are also on this franchise. The potential is there, but translating that into consistent on-field success remains the elusive target. Perhaps Dalton can buck the trend, or maybe the answer lies in a more comprehensive evaluation and restructuring of the team’s approach to its most critical position.