Baker Mayfield must develop chemistry with Carolina Panthers’ weapons
Looking at the options – or lack thereof – for Baker Mayfield this offseason, the Carolina Panthers were better than most. This represented an instant opportunity for the quarterback to start right away and there is a wealth of talent at the skill positions to further enhance his potential for a bounce-back campaign.
Everything is in place for Mayfield to thrive. But getting on the same page with his primary pass-catchers will be of paramount importance in training camp.
The talent is there. D.J. Moore and Robbie Anderson are both 1,000-yard receivers when in the mood. Carolina is also expecting more from Terrace Marshall Jr. despite a rookie season to forget.
Obviously, Christian McCaffrey’s presence alongside Mayfield in the backfield will be a huge boost. But this is dependent on whether the All-Pro can remain healthy after featuring just 10 times over the last two seasons.
If Ben McAdoo can provide the spark that ignites tight-end duo Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble, then Mayfield will surely benefit as a result. Becoming cohesive with center Bradley Bozeman is another complication to overcome, so the signal-caller has a lot on his plate before coming up against his old team in Week 1.
It will be fascinating to watch things unfold in camp. But write Mayfield off at your peril.