Carolina Panthers' Quarterback Conundrum: From Bryce Young to Andy Dalton
The Carolina Panthers have long been on a quest to find a stable and successful quarterback, but it appears their journey is far from over. Recent seasons have seen a revolving door of quarterbacks, none of whom have managed to leave a lasting positive impact on the team’s fortunes.
One of the most telling stories of this ongoing struggle is that of Bryce Young. A former No. 1 overall pick, Young’s stint with the Panthers has been fraught with challenges. After just 18 starts, Young found himself benched, a stark indication of the difficulties he faced on the field. His record over the past two seasons—2-16, including an 0-2 start this year—highlights the substantial hurdles in his path.
This season, Young's performance further underscored the Panthers' problem under center. He completed 31 of 56 pass attempts, managing no touchdowns while throwing three interceptions and suffering six sacks. The decision to bench Young so early into the season is a clear signal from the Panthers' management that changes were necessary.
Enter Andy Dalton, the seasoned veteran now tasked with leading the Panthers’ offense. Dalton’s extensive experience is seen as a stabilizing force for a team desperately in need of consistency and leadership from its quarterback.
Baker Mayfield’s tenure with the Panthers also provides a telling parallel. Mayfield, who recorded a dismal 1-5 record during his time in Carolina, struggled with his completion percentage (57.8) and passing success rate (36). After moving on from the Panthers, Mayfield has started to thrive with a new team, offering a clear indication that systemic issues within the Panthers could be stymying quarterback performance.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Mayfield offered some insightful observations that resonate with Young’s challenges. “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 noted. These words underscore the broader issues at play, beyond individual talent.
Mayfield’s journey, from struggling with the Panthers to finding his stride elsewhere, mirrors another former Panther, Sam Darnold, who has also experienced a resurgence with a new team. This pattern speaks volumes about the environment in Carolina and its impact on quarterback development.
Looking back, the last Panthers quarterback to end a season with a winning record was the indomitable Cam Newton in 2017. Newton, alongside Jake Delhomme, remains one of the few Carolina quarterbacks since 2008 to boast a winning record as a starter. This historical context only highlights the Panthers' prolonged struggle to cultivate and maintain a winning presence at the quarterback position.
In his candid assessment, reflecting on better days and promising future for Young, 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.”
The Panthers’ management, players, and fans alike are undoubtedly eager to see if Dalton can bring the much-needed stability and guidance to their offense. The hope is that a seasoned quarterback can navigate through the current turbulence and set the team on a path to resurgence.
While the Panthers' search for a consistent and winning quarterback remains unsettled, their moves suggest a determination to finally address this long-standing issue. With Andy Dalton at the helm, they look forward to turning the page and scripting a chapter of success that has eluded them for years.