The Carolina Panthers made headlines by benching rookie quarterback Bryce Young just two games into the 2024 NFL season, sparking a mix of frustration and humor among local fans. One Charlotte restaurant, Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, took a playful jab at the young quarterback, while also subtly suggesting that the Panthers’ struggles might be more of a systemic issue than an individual player problem.
The sign outside the restaurant humorously highlighted the success of former Panthers quarterbacks and coaches who are thriving in new environments. Before drafting Young with the No. 1 overall pick last year, the Panthers had already tried to revitalize the careers of previous first-round picks Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield. Neither worked out in Carolina, but both are finding success elsewhere.
Sam Darnold, who spent two underwhelming seasons with the Panthers, is currently excelling with the Minnesota Vikings. After throwing 16 touchdowns and 16 interceptions during his 18 games in Carolina, Darnold has turned things around, posting a 111.7 quarterback rating and tossing four touchdowns in two wins for Minnesota. Meanwhile, Baker Mayfield, who was released by the Panthers after winning just one start in 2022, has revitalized his career in Tampa Bay. Mayfield led the Buccaneers to an NFC South title and a playoff win last year, and he’s off to an impressive start this season. He’s thrown five touchdowns with a stellar 129.1 quarterback rating, proving that his resurgence was no fluke.
Even former Panthers head coach Matt Rhule, who struggled mightily in his time with Carolina, has found new life leading the Nebraska Cornhuskers to three straight victories in college football. The sign at Dilworth Neighborhood Grille cleverly referenced these success stories, listing the 2-0 records for Mayfield and Darnold, and Rhule’s 3-0 mark in Nebraska. At the bottom of the list sat Bryce Young with his 0-2 start, underscoring the Panthers’ ongoing quarterback woes.
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Young, the former Heisman Trophy winner, has had a rough start to his NFL career. Through his first two games, he’s managed just 267 passing yards with no touchdowns, two interceptions, and a meager 5.4 yards per attempt.
While it’s early in his career, the Panthers’ decision to bench him in favor of veteran Andy Dalton for their Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders has raised eyebrows.
Meanwhile, fans are left to wonder if the problem lies deeper within the Panthers’ organization rather than with the individual quarterbacks. Darnold, Mayfield, and Rhule have all found success once they left Carolina, which begs the question: is it possible Young could eventually follow in their footsteps and flourish with a new team? While it’s far too soon to write off the talented rookie, the pattern of quarterbacks struggling in Carolina only to thrive elsewhere is becoming hard to ignore.
If Young doesn’t get another shot to prove himself soon, he might become the latest in a growing list of former Panthers who find a new lease on life after leaving the team.
For now, Panthers fans—and one Charlotte restaurant—will continue to watch with a mix of hope and humor as the season unfolds.
