Changing of the Guard: Panthers Turn to Andy Dalton Amid Quarterback Struggles
In a move that reflects a turbulent period for the Carolina Panthers, the franchise has benched Bryce Young, their former No. 1 overall pick, after a mere 18 starts. Young's tenure with the Panthers has been marked by a disappointing 2-16 record stretching over two seasons, including an 0-2 start this year. This decision highlights the ongoing challenge the team faces in finding a stable and successful quarterback.
So far this season, Young has struggled significantly, completing only 31 of his 56 attempts without recording a single touchdown. Instead, he has thrown three interceptions and suffered six sacks, underscoring the difficulties he has faced on the field. Veteran quarterback Andy Dalton has now been called upon to lead the team, a measure that underscores the urgency for stability and experience at the quarterback position.
Dalton's selection signals a moment of introspection for the Panthers, who have struggled to find consistent performance at the quarterback position since the days of Cam Newton. Newton, alongside Jake Delhomme, remains one of the few quarterbacks to achieve a winning record as a starter for the Panthers since 2008. Newton was the last Panthers quarterback to finish a season with a winning record, back in 2017.
The Carolina Panthers' quarterback woes extend beyond just Bryce Young. Baker Mayfield, who had a rocky stint with the Panthers, is now thriving with his new team. Mayfield's time in Carolina was marred by a 1-5 record, his worst completion percentage (57.8), and a poor passing success rate (36). Reflecting on his experience, Mayfield offered insights that are both poignant and revealing about the challenges faced by quarterbacks 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," Mayfield said. "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, who went 29-30 as a starter with the Cleveland Browns before joining the Panthers, highlights the importance of environment and support in a quarterback's success. "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," Mayfield added.
Mayfield's words resonate deeply within the Panthers' organization, where the search for a reliable quarterback continues to be a pressing concern. As Dalton steps into the role, the franchise can only hope his veteran presence will bring much-needed stability and confidence to a team in desperate need of direction.
Former Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold, like Mayfield, also seems to have found success away from the Carolina spotlight. Their journeys serve as a testament to the unpredictable nature of NFL careers and the critical importance of finding the right fit both on and off the field.
The road ahead for Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers is uncertain, but filled with the potential for growth and the lessons learned from the past. Young's early struggles should not overshadow his talent and potential. With Dalton taking the helm, perhaps Young will have the opportunity to develop without the immediate pressure of being the team's savior.
The Panthers' decision to pivot to Andy Dalton underscores a reality check for the franchise. The goal of the organization remains clear: to find that elusive formula for consistency and success at the quarterback position. Whether Dalton can provide that solution remains to be seen, but the Panthers are banking on his experience to guide them through these challenging times.
For those who have witnessed the ups and downs of the Panthers' quarterback saga over the years, the hope is that this latest move will finally pave the way for a more stable and successful era. Only time will tell if Bryce Young can bounce back and if Andy Dalton can steer the team toward a brighter future.