The Carolina Panthers' Struggles with Quarterback Consistency Continue
The Carolina Panthers have long been in search of a reliable quarterback, a quest that remains unfulfilled as the 2023 NFL season unfolds. Bryce Young, once hailed as the team's potential future centerpiece after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick, has already seen his time under center come to a premature halt. Benched after just 18 starts, Young’s tenure has been fraught with challenges and unremarkable performances.
Young’s record speaks volumes about the difficulties he faced. Over the last two seasons, he posted a 2-16 record, including an 0-2 start this year. His statistics underscore the turmoil; he completed only 31 of 56 attempts with no touchdowns, three interceptions, and endured six sacks. In a bid to turn the tide, the Panthers have turned to veteran Andy Dalton, hoping his experience might provide the stability the team desperately needs.
Revisiting the recent paths of other Panthers' quarterbacks illustrates a recurring theme. Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, who both struggled during their respective stints with the franchise, are now finding success elsewhere. Mayfield's period with the Panthers was particularly trying, marked by a 1-5 record and career lows in completion percentage (57.8) and passing success rate (36). Nevertheless, he has rebounded since leaving Carolina.
Reflecting on his time with the Panthers, Mayfield offered insight into the hurdles faced by young quarterbacks in onerous situations. "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 said.
Mayfield's experiences with the Cleveland Browns also shed light on the importance of the right environment. Despite a near even win-loss record of 29-30 as a starter with the Browns, the transition to the Panthers proved challenging. "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," Mayfield reflected.
For the Panthers, the pursuit of a steady quarterback has been a long and arduous journey. Since 2017, when Cam Newton last led the team to a winning record, consistency at the quarterback position has been elusive. Newton, along with Jake Delhomme, stand out as the only Panthers quarterbacks to achieve winning records as starters since 2008. This stark statistic portrays the magnitude of the team’s ongoing quest for a steadfast leader on the field.
The Panthers’ latest move to install Andy Dalton as the new starting quarterback represents yet another chapter in their saga. With Dalton’s extensive experience and a proven track record, the franchise hopes he can provide the leadership and consistency that has been missing. But whether he can turn around the Panthers’ fortunes remains to be seen.
As the Panthers grapple with their quarterback conundrum, Bryce Young’s story remains a poignant chapter. His early career, marked by struggles and growing pains, is a testament to the challenges faced by young quarterbacks thrust into high-pressure roles without the necessary support. Veteran perspectives like Mayfield’s offer a glimmer of hope, emphasizing that sometimes the right fit and circumstances can make all the difference.
The search for a reliable quarterback will undoubtedly continue to shape the narrative of the Carolina Panthers. Whether it’s through grooming young talent like Young or relying on seasoned veterans like Dalton, the quest for stability under center remains an essential pursuit for the franchise’s future success.