In the ever-volatile world of the NFL, the Carolina Panthers continue to grapple with a recurring issue: finding a consistent and effective quarterback. The recent benching of Bryce Young, a former No. 1 overall draft pick, after just 18 starts serves as a stark reminder of this enduring struggle.
Bryce Young's Rocky Start
Bryce Young's tenure with the Panthers has been anything but smooth. Over the past two seasons, he has posted a disappointing 2-16 record, including an 0-2 start this year. His performance this season—completing 31 of 56 attempts with no touchdowns, three interceptions, and six sacks—has led the Panthers to turn to veteran quarterback Andy Dalton for some much-needed stability.
The Mayfield and Darnold Saga
The Panthers' quarterback woes aren't limited to Bryce Young. Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, both former quarterbacks for the team, have found success with their new franchises. However, their time in Carolina was far less fruitful. Mayfield, who recorded a 1-5 record during his stint, had his worst completion percentage (57.8) and lowest passing success rate (36) while with the Panthers. This is a stark contrast to his overall 29-30 record as a starter with the Cleveland Browns.
Historical Struggles
The difficulty in securing a reliable quarterback is not a new issue for the Panthers. The last quarterback to finish a season with a winning record as a starter was Cam Newton in 2017. In fact, since 2008, only Newton and Jake Delhomme have managed to achieve this feat for the team. These historical struggles underscore why the franchise has yet to find long-term success under center.
The Bryce Young Conundrum
Young's benching after such a brief period raises questions about the development and support provided to young quarterbacks in the league. Baker Mayfield, now thriving elsewhere, offered insight into the complexities faced by young signal-callers. "Obviously mine didn't happen in the same time frame with Bryce," he said, "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. 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 further emphasized the importance of the right environment for a quarterback's success: "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."
Looking Ahead
As the Panthers continue their search for quarterback stability, the stories of Bryce Young, Baker Mayfield, and others serve as poignant examples of the challenges faced by NFL teams. While it remains to be seen whether Bryce Young will find his footing in the league, the hope is that with the right support and environment, he can turn his career around.
In the meantime, Panthers fans and the franchise alike are left to wonder when—or if—they will find their next long-term solution at quarterback. As history has shown, the answer is not always straightforward, but the quest for it undoubtedly shapes the team's future trajectory.