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

Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Week 17

With the NFL’s expansion last year, the Carolina Panthers will finish the last two weeks on the road against NFC South opponents. I prefer this method of division games concluding a campaign as we should see more meaningful matchups.

This will be the second contest against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a Week 7 encounter at Bank of America Stadium. And the stakes should be high if the title hopefuls reach the level anticipated.

Having a full season of tape under new head coach Todd Bowles will be beneficial for Baker Mayfield to pick up on the defense’s tendencies and tells. Brady is the best to ever play quarterback, and arguably the greatest players at any position throughout NFL history.

He brings a level of respect most other quarterbacks cannot touch. Mayfield will need a solid game against a fearsome opponent who is expected to win the division for the third-straight season.

For any chance of a postseason berth, quality wins against division and conference opponents are paramount for a Wild Card slot. If Mayfield can grab a win here, the team’s playoff hopes should remain alive and the narrative will continue to shift.

The regular season is just over a month away. With the Carolina Panthers currently in training camp and three preseason contests still to come, we will get a good look at what Mayfield can do.

If Mayfield can master these five games, he should be in line to help bring the Panthers back to the playoffs and increase his stock going into negotiations for a new contract in the offseason.