The Carolina Panthers have long struggled to solidify their quarterback position, a challenge that has persisted through the years and multiple changes under center. The recent benching of Bryce Young, the former No. 1 overall pick, after just 18 starts underscores the ongoing instability at the team's most critical position.
Young's tenure as the Panthers' starter has been a rocky road, characterized by a 2-16 record over the last two seasons, including an 0-2 start to the current campaign. In his limited action this season, Young completed 31 of 56 attempts but failed to throw a single touchdown pass while recording three interceptions and taking six sacks. Consequently, the Panthers have now turned to veteran Andy Dalton, seeking a steadier hand to guide the offense.
Bouncing Around: Mayfield and Darnold
The Panthers' quarterback carousel saw previous starters like Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold move on to find success elsewhere. During his brief stint in Carolina, Mayfield recorded a disappointing 1-5 record. His performance metrics were among the worst of his career, with a completion percentage of 57.8 and a passing success rate of just 36.
Since leaving Carolina, Mayfield's fortunes have improved, although his most significant period of success came with the Cleveland Browns, where he posted a 29-30 record as a starter. Reflecting on his Panther days, Mayfield offered insight into the challenges faced by young quarterbacks.
"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," Mayfield said. "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 alluded to his current situation, which he said is more favorable compared to his previous teams. "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 Recurrent Struggle
For the Panthers, the search for a reliable quarterback has been exhaustive. The last signal-caller to finish a season with a winning record in Carolina was Cam Newton in 2017. Since 2008, only Newton and Jake Delhomme have managed to achieve a winning record as starters—a staggering statistic that highlights the team's long-term struggles.
Newton's era marked a period of relative stability and success for Carolina, but replicating that with a new quarterback has proven elusive. The dual-threat quarterback led the Panthers to Super Bowl 50 and earned an MVP award in 2015, exemplifying the kind of impact a solid quarterback can have. However, Newton's departure marked the beginning of a period of uncertainty and frequent changes at the quarterback position.
As the Panthers regroup with Dalton under center, the franchise, its fans, and its quarterback alike will be hoping that stability, however fleeting, is around the corner. Dalton brings a wealth of experience, having been a tenured starter with the Cincinnati Bengals and having made playoff appearances, though his prime years are behind him. The team will be hoping his veteran presence can provide some immediate stability.
Looking Forward
The narratives of Mayfield, Darnold, and now Bryce Young, serve to underscore a central truth about the NFL: the fit between a quarterback and team is multifaceted and complex. Talent is indispensable, but as Mayfield aptly noted, the surrounding pieces and coaching can make or break a career, especially in the crucial early years of development.
For the Carolina Panthers, the pursuit of consistency continues, but as the seasons pass, the hope remains that one day, the team will find its long-term answer at the quarterback position, providing the stability that has been sorely missed since the heyday of Cam Newton.