5 games that will define Panthers QB Baker Mayfield’s 2022 season

Carolina Panthers vs. Cleveland Browns – Week 1

The man brought in from the Houston Texans to replace Baker Mayfield at quarterback is officially suspended for the first six games of the season. In his stead, the Cleveland Browns will be rolling with Jacboy Brissett.

Regardless of who is under center for the Browns, Mayfield has had this game circled on his calendar since he was traded in early July.

It is one thing to leave a team as a free agent on your own terms and face them again wearing a different jersey. It is another when an organization trades the top overall pick in 2018 for another athlete who may be flashier and more athletic, but off-field issues abound.

With a chip on his shoulder and feeling slighted, Mayfield desires to prove general manager Andrew Berry made a drastic mistake moving in a new direction. He will be out for revenge and firing on all cylinders – which should benefit the Carolina Panthers in Week 1 at Bank of America Stadium.

Even without Deshaun Watson, the Browns employ show-stopping athletes who are difference-makers on the field. A win to start the campaign would not only bode well for the Panthers’ outlook but it could provide Mayfield some satisfaction showing Cleveland he is still worthy of being a starting quarterback in the NFL.