Struggles in Quarterback Consistency for Carolina Panthers
For the Carolina Panthers, the quest for a reliable quarterback has been as elusive as a deep playoff run. The team has cycled through numerous quarterbacks, seeking stability and consistency but often falling short of their aspirations.
Over the past two seasons, Bryce Young, a former No. 1 overall pick, failed to cement his place as a franchise quarterback for the Panthers. After just 18 starts, Young was benched, leaving behind a disappointing 2-16 record, which included an 0-2 start to this season. His stats this year have been particularly underwhelming, completing only 31 of 56 attempts, with no touchdowns, three interceptions, and facing six sacks. The Panthers' patience ran out, and they turned to veteran Andy Dalton to lead the charge.
The carousel of quarterbacks has been a recurring theme for the Panthers. Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, both former Panthers quarterbacks, are now finding success with their new teams. Mayfield's brief tenure with the Panthers was marked by struggles, posting a 1-5 record. His time with Carolina reflected the worst completion percentage of his career at 57.8% and a passing success rate of just 36%. Nonetheless, Mayfield's overall record as a starter before joining the Panthers was a more respectable 29-30 with the Cleveland Browns.
A quick glance at the Panthers' quarterback history indicates a pattern. The last quarterback to finish a season with a winning record as a starter was Cam Newton in 2017. Newton, alongside Jake Delhomme, are the only Carolina quarterbacks to achieve a winning record as starters since 2008. The scarcity of successful quarterbacks in the franchise’s recent history underscores the difficulty the team has faced in this crucial position.
Reflecting on his time with the Panthers and the challenges faced by Bryce Young, Baker Mayfield offered insights into the intricacies of quarterback success in the NFL. "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 said. Through his words, Mayfield highlighted the importance of the environment and supporting cast in nurturing a young quarterback's development.
Mayfield also reflected on his own career trajectory, suggesting that while talent is essential, the surrounding circumstances often play a determinative role. "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."
The narrative of the Carolina Panthers continues, marked by the persistent search for a quarterback who can lead the team back to prominence. With Andy Dalton now at the helm, the franchise hopes for a stabilizing presence that can guide them through turbulent waters. For Bryce Young, learning and growth remain crucial, with the possibility that a change in environment or supporting cast might one day propel him to the success that eluded him in Carolina.
The journey of finding a franchise quarterback is fraught with challenges and uncertainties. For the Panthers, the lessons learned from their past decisions serve as a guiding light, illuminating the complexities and nuances inherent in this quest. Only time will tell if their current choices will lead to a stable and successful future.