4 critical areas that can help Panthers QB Baker Mayfield shine in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers WRs must improve consistency
Although Sam Darnold struggled to get anything going after a positive start through Week 3, the pass-catchers also need to be held accountable for their lack of consistency in 2021. Nobody apart from D.J. Moore emerged from the campaign with any credit, so Baker Mayfield won’t want the same thing happening on his potential road to redemption.
The Carolina Panthers kept faith with the large majority of their options. Robbie Anderson was the subject of trade speculation during the preparation period, but he could bounce back after developing some nice chemistry with Mayfield throughout the offseason.
Someone already well familiar with Mayfield is Rashard Higgins, who could become a trusted ally for the Oklahoma product once again if their previous relationship during their time together on the Cleveland Browns is any indication.
With improvements expected from Shi Smith and Terrace Marshall Jr. coupled with the acquisition of Laviska Shenault Jr. via trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Panthers could be highly productive. And offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo’s scheme looks like a good fit for Mayfield providing he can return to something like his 2020 form.
Mayfield didn’t get much time to improve cohesion thanks to Carolina’s quarterback battle in camp. Hopefully, this won’t have a detrimental effect when the real action arrives.