4 biggest problems Baker Mayfield must overcome in 2022
By Dean Jones
Baker Mayfield must grasp the playbook quickly
Time is of the essence for Baker Mayfield and the Carolina Panthers now that this long-running trade saga has come to a conclusion. There is little time for the signal-caller to immerse himself in Ben McAdoo’s complex system before training camp, which could lead to some complications when the real action begins against his former team in Week 1.
Fortunately, the Panthers gave Mayfield extra time to learn what’s expected. Any further delay to this move would have posed some significant problems, so it’s probably a relief to get the player into their way of thinking a few weeks before camp.
Expecting Mayfield to instantly turn up with a Peyton Manning grasp on the scheme is pushing things. But the player is reportedly looking to organize a get-together between himself and Carolina’s skill position stars ahead of camp, which will only help his cause in the long run.
A lot has been made of how critical McAdoo was of Mayfield during his pre-draft assessment. The offensive coordinator had him as the sixth-best quarterback entering the league in 2018, even if this opinion might have changed now.
What’s important for Mayfield and McAdoo is developing a close bond early in their relationship. Chemistry is a big reason why Sam Darnold fluffed his lines in 2021 and unless the two influential figures hit it off immediately, it could be a problem.