The Carolina Panthers' Quarterback Carousel: A Search for Stability
The Carolina Panthers' quest for stability at the quarterback position has been a tumultuous journey. Since the departure of Cam Newton, the franchise has struggled to find a consistent leader to spearhead their offense. Recent events have only highlighted the ongoing challenges the team faces.
Bryce Young's Struggles
Bryce Young, a former No. 1 overall pick, was once seen as the savior for the Panthers. However, his tenure has been anything but smooth. After just 18 starts, Young was benched, signaling yet another chapter in the Panthers' ongoing search for a dependable quarterback.
Young's record over the past two seasons stands at a dismal 2-16, including an 0-2 start this year. His stats this season tell a sobering story: completing 31 of 56 attempts, failing to throw a single touchdown, while throwing three interceptions and suffering six sacks.
Turning to a Veteran Presence
In light of Young's struggles, the Panthers have turned to veteran quarterback Andy Dalton. Dalton brings a wealth of experience and a steadier hand, but whether he can reverse the team's fortunes remains to be seen.
Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, both former Panthers quarterbacks, are now finding success with new teams. Mayfield’s time with the Panthers was particularly challenging. During his stint, he recorded a 1-5 record, marking his lowest completion percentage (57.8) and passing success rate (36%). Conversely, Mayfield had a more balanced record of 29-30 as a starter with the Cleveland Browns, suggesting that the environment in Carolina might not have been conducive for him.
Inconsistent Success
The last time a Panthers quarterback finished a season with a winning record was back in 2017 with Cam Newton. Beyond Newton, one has to look further back to find another quarterback with a winning record as a starter—Jake Delhomme.
Mayfield's Insight
Baker Mayfield, currently experiencing a resurgence with another team, shared candid insights on the difficulties of the quarterback position, especially for younger players like Young.
"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," Mayfield stated.
Reflecting on his own journey, Mayfield added, "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."
These comments from Mayfield underscore the intricate web of factors that can influence a quarterback's success—from the coaching staff and available offensive weapons to the broader team environment.
The Path Forward
As the Panthers pivot to Andy Dalton, the question remains whether this veteran presence can bring the much-needed stability. Dalton’s experience could help, but structural changes and strategic decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the Panthers' immediate future.
The revolving door at quarterback in Carolina has yet to yield a long-term solution. Reflecting on the last decade, it's evident that consistency and support are paramount for the development and success of any quarterback. The Panthers’ leadership and coaching staff face a significant challenge as they strive to find the right formula to end this cycle of inconsistency.
For Bryce Young, Baker Mayfield’s story might provide a glimmer of hope. As Mayfield's own career illustrates, the journey of a quarterback is often fraught with ups and downs. With the right environment and continuous support, there's always the possibility of turning things around.