In recent years, the Carolina Panthers have grappled with finding a consistent presence under center, and their struggles continue with the early benching of Bryce Young. Young, who entered the NFL amid high expectations as a former No. 1 overall pick, has seen his opportunities cut short after just 18 starts. His performance over the last two seasons, posting a dismal 2-16 record, reflects the ongoing quarterback turmoil plaguing the Panthers.
This season, Young's struggles have been particularly stark. Completing only 31 of his 56 attempts and failing to secure a single touchdown while surrendering three interceptions and suffering six sacks, Young's 0-2 start showcased the difficulties he faced in leading the team effectively. Consequently, the Panthers have turned to veteran quarterback Andy Dalton in hopes of stabilizing their offense.
The Panthers' instability at the quarterback position isn't a new phenomenon. The organization has cycled through several quarterbacks in recent years, each failing to provide the consistency needed to propel the team to success. This includes previous starters Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, who have found renewed success with their respective new teams. During his stint with the Panthers, Mayfield managed only a 1-5 record and recorded career-low stats, including a 57.8 completion percentage and a 36 passing success rate. His tenure in Carolina starkly contrasts with his earlier career in Cleveland, where he went 29-30 as a starter.
Reflecting on his own career, Mayfield empathized with Young's predicament. "Obviously mine didn't happen in the same time frame with Bryce, but [being a] quarterback's hard, especially for young guys," Mayfield noted. "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's sentiment underscores a recurring theme for Panthers quarterbacks, who often face an uphill battle in terms of team composition and support. The last signal-caller to steer the team to a winning season was Cam Newton back in 2017, exemplifying the prolonged period of instability. Beyond Newton, only Jake Delhomme has managed to secure a winning record as a starter since 2008, further highlighting the franchise's struggles in this crucial area.
"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," Mayfield explained. "And he'll get it. His story is far, far from finished."
The Panthers' decision to pivot to Andy Dalton suggests a desperate bid for stability moving forward. Dalton, a seasoned veteran with a wealth of experience, offers a steadier hand at quarterback. Whether this move will translate to tangible success remains uncertain, but the hope is that Dalton's veteran presence can provide a much-needed respite from the recent merry-go-round of quarterbacks in Carolina.
While Bryce Young's early career setbacks are evident, his talent and potential are undeniable. In the ever-demanding role of quarterback, especially within a franchise grappling with broader challenges, finding the right fit and support system is paramount. As the Panthers navigate another pivotal season, the ripple effects of these decisions will likely shape the trajectory of the team's immediate and long-term future.