The Carolina Panthers have embarked on yet another search for a reliable quarterback, as their recent attempt to build around Bryce Young, the former No. 1 overall pick, has fallen short. Young's tenure as the starting quarterback was brief and tumultuous, lasting just 18 starts before he was designated to the bench. Despite the high hopes that accompanied his draft selection, Young posted a dismal 2-16 record over two seasons, which included an 0-2 start this year.
Young's statistical performance this season has done little to justify the Panthers' faith in him. Completing just 31 of 56 attempts without a single touchdown pass, he has instead thrown three interceptions and been sacked six times. With these underwhelming figures, the franchise has opted for a change, turning to veteran Andy Dalton to take over quarterback duties in the hopes of reversing their fortunes.
Quarterback Carousel in Carolina
The Panthers’ quarterback situation has been in flux for several seasons now. Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, both former starting quarterbacks for Carolina, have found new homes and are experiencing rejuvenated careers with other teams. However, their tenures with the Panthers were far from successful. Mayfield, for instance, could only muster a 1-5 record as a starter. During his time in Carolina, he recorded the lowest completion percentage of his career at 57.8% and a career-worst passing success rate of 36.
Reflecting on his challenging period with the Panthers, Mayfield provided insight into the struggles a quarterback faces when not surrounded by the right supporting cast. "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 explained.
Historical Struggles and Searching for Stability
The challenges at the quarterback position for Carolina are not new. The last time the Panthers saw a quarterback finish a season with a winning record as a starter was in 2017 with Cam Newton. Apart from Newton, only Jake Delhomme has managed to secure a winning record as a starter for the Panthers since 2008. This lack of consistency at the position has undoubtedly hampered the team's success over the years.
Mayfield highlighted the importance of fit and opportunity in a quarterback's success. "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 said, expressing optimism about Young's future despite his current setbacks.
A New Chapter with Andy Dalton
For now, the Carolina Panthers will look toward Andy Dalton, a seasoned veteran, to bring much-needed stability to the quarterback position. Dalton's experience and leadership will be key as the team tries to navigate through yet another transitional period. Whether Dalton can succeed where others have faltered remains to be seen, but his tenure will undoubtedly be scrutinized by a fan base desperate for a return to winning ways.
The journey to find a consistent and successful quarterback continues for the Panthers, a quest that has persisted for over a decade. As Bryce Young steps back and Andy Dalton steps up, the hope is that this latest adjustment will set the stage for a brighter future in Carolina. For now, the team remains in search of that elusive franchise quarterback who can lead them back to prominence.