4 realistic goals for Carolina Panthers QB Baker Mayfield in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers get career-high completion percentage from Baker Mayfield
Ball security is something that was sorely lacking with Sam Darnold under center last season. Cam Newton and P.J. Walker also made several costly turnovers when on the field, which left the Carolina Panthers with no option other than to move forward with one last roll of the dice.
Baker Mayfield can be erratic on occasions. As stated previously, he is a gunslinger that sometimes gambles too much, but there are reasons to suggest completion percentage will be the least of Carolina’s problems this time around.
One of the main features of Ben McAdoo’s system is getting the football out quickly. This involves a lot of short-to-intermediate completions with some deep shots thrown in for good measure, which could be a fantastic fit for Mayfield despite having little time to pick things up during the offseason.
Providing the likes of Christian McCaffrey, D.J. Moore, and Robbie Anderson remain healthy, the numbers should follow. If players such as Shi Smith, Ian Thomas, Rashard Higgins, and Terrace Marshall Jr. also step up their respective contributions, Mayfield can thrive.
Much will depend on how a revamped offensive line makes the necessary improvements. But Mayfield might eclipse the career-high 63.8 percent completion he attained as a rookie in 2018.
After so much carelessness, this would be music to Carolina’s ears.