4 major observations from Panthers QB Baker Mayfield’s home debut
By Dean Jones
Baker Mayfield impressed on Carolina Panthers’ home debut
It’s been a long time coming, but the Carolina Panthers might have a chance to make some improvements on offense thanks to the presence of Baker Mayfield. This was the biggest sample size we’ve seen from the quarterback in a gameday environment and the Heisman Trophy winner left another positive impact before going to the sidelines before the break.
Mayfield was accurate and his arm is live. Something that was a question mark after the signal-caller underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder this offseason.
The former No. 1 overall selection looked the part, moved the chains, converted some impressive third downs, and also threw a pair of touchdown passes. One was a bootleg to running back D’Onta Foreman and the other was an absolute laser to emerging star Shi Smith in the second quarter.
Matt Rhule was pleased with what he saw from Mayfield, who completed 60 percent of his passes for 89 passing yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions, and a 116.4 passer rating. Numbers that would have been far more impressive had it not been for several drops from 2021 fourth-round pick Chuba Hubbard.
However, the head coach is eager to see what comes next from Mayfield and the top-end weapons when competitive action arrives.
"“He has a lot of room to grow. We have a lot more weapons. I think the guys tonight did a great job, but (I’m) anxious to see him really develop that chemistry with Robbie, DJ (Moore), and Christian (McCaffrey), get Ian (Thomas) back. But I’m excited about what Baker’s done.”"
Again, this was a second-string defense. But excitement is building ahead of Mayfield’s revenge game against the Cleveland Browns.