Carolina Panthers' Quarterback Carousel Continues: Bryce Young Benched for Andy Dalton
The Carolina Panthers have long been in search of stability at the quarterback position, a quest that has recently seen former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young benched after just 18 starts. The decision comes amidst Young's struggling performance, compiling a disheartening 2-16 record over the past two seasons, including an 0-2 start this year.
This season, Young completed 31 of 56 attempts, failing to throw for a touchdown while tossing three interceptions and suffering six sacks. Ineligibilities and inefficacies on the offensive front have compelled the Panthers to turn to veteran Andy Dalton to steer the ship.
Bryce Young's Performance and Benchings
Young's tenure with the Panthers, though brief, was marred by inefficiency and inconsistency. Despite the high hopes attached to his drafting, he struggled to translate his potential into on-field success. His difficulties were exacerbated by a surrounding cast that often failed to provide adequate support, be it in protection, play-calling, or receiving.
Baker Mayfield, a former Panthers quarterback who now thrives with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, empathized with Young's plight. "Obviously mine didn't happen in the same time frame with Bryce, but [being a] quarterback's hard, especially for young guys," Mayfield noted. "When you're not surrounded by the pieces, [you're] not given the opportunity to have success."
Veteran Leadership: Enter Andy Dalton
The Panthers’ decision to bring in Andy Dalton reflects a strategic pivot towards experience and stability. Dalton, a seasoned NFL veteran, offers the team a steady hand and hopes of rejuvenating an offense that has sputtered in recent years.
The move is not without precedent. The franchise has seen glimpses of success with veteran leadership in the past, although sustained success has proved elusive. The last Panthers quarterback to finish a season with a winning record as a starter was Cam Newton in 2017. Since then, inconsistency at quarterback has been a recurring issue.
Former Panthers Quarterbacks Find New Life
Interestingly, the fortunes of former Panthers quarterbacks provide a stark contrast. Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, both struggled during their time in Carolina, are now experiencing rejuvenation with their current teams. Mayfield, who had his worst completion percentage of 57.8 and his worst passing success rate of 36 during his Panthers tenure, set his own record low with a 1-5 record as a starter.
Reflecting on his own career evolution, Mayfield admitted, "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." He continued, "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 Mayfield's career serves as a testament to the importance of finding the right organizational fit for young quarterbacks. Mayfield went 29-30 as a starter with the Cleveland Browns, signaling that performance can be heavily influenced by team dynamics and support systems.
Historical Context of Panthers' Quarterback Woes
Since 2008, only Cam Newton and Jake Delhomme have achieved winning records as starting quarterbacks for the Panthers. This highlights the long-standing challenge the franchise faces in groom quarterbacks who can deliver consistent results.
As the Panthers turn another page in their ongoing search for quarterback steadiness, the spotlight now shifts to Andy Dalton. Whether Dalton can reverse the Panthers' fortunes or if the hunt for a lasting solution will continue remains an open question. However, the trajectory of former players like Bryce Young and Baker Mayfield underscores the complexity and difficulty of mastering the most critical position in the sport.
One thing remains apparent: in the volatile world of professional football, success relies not just on individual talent but also on the synchrony of the team and the environment in which a player is placed.