Baker Mayfield helps Carolina Panthers to a winning record
After three successive five-win seasons, fans are getting pretty tired of underwhelming performances from the Carolina Panthers. This escalated further in 2021 given the increased hope following a 3-0 start, so things are hanging on a knife-edge for the organization next time around.
There is no doubt Baker Mayfield provides them with a better chance. He’s far outperformed Sam Darnold during his career and also boasts a playoff victory, which was the first achieved by the Cleveland Browns since 1994.
Yes, he struggled last season. But it’s also worth remembering that Mayfield played from Week 2 onwards with a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder that needed off-season surgery.
If Mayfield can get back to something like his 2020 form and the Panthers stay clear of injuries, then perhaps a winning record for the first time in a while could be within reach. It could go wrong again, but the Heisman Trophy winner’s determination and increased urgency might be enough to get Carolina through some tough spots.
Should the Panthers get to a winning record, it could be enough to secure a wildcard berth. The NFC is not deep by any stretch, so 9-8 might be enough unless one or two teams perform way above expectations.
This would also give the Panthers plenty to think about regarding a potential extension or placing Mayfield under the franchise tag in 2023.