What were some major observations from Carolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield’s performance against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1?
To say it was an emotional occasion for Baker Mayfield in Week 1 would be understating things slightly. The quarterback made his competitive debut for the Carolina Panthers in front of their passionate support against the Cleveland Browns, the team that traded him away for nothing more than Day 3 compensation this offseason.
Mayfield did well to avoid any unnecessary headlines throughout the week. Something that was in keeping with his newfound focus and determination since joining the Panthers shortly before training camp.
How the Oklahoma product kept his composure was always going to be key. As it turned out, Mayfield’s late-game heroics were not enough to emerge with bragging rights.
With this in mind, here are four major observations from Mayfield’s performance against the Browns in Week 1.
Major Observation No. 1
Carolina Panthers’ offense was disjointed early
It probably didn’t come as a surprise to see things disjointed right out of the gate. Adrenaline was high and opening day nerves were evident, but things were not clicking for Baker Mayfield and his playmakers over the opening few drives.
Mayfield almost lost a fumble that he thankfully fell on. Their biggest gain early from Christian McCaffrey was brought back for offensive holding on Ian Thomas.
Things got steadily worse as the first quarter went on. Mayfield completed four of seven passes for just seven yards and was sacked once after a safety blitz wasn’t picked up effectively.
A poor first half from Baker Mayfield and the Carolina Panthers
If fans were hoping for brighter days in the second quarter, they were out of luck for the most part. Baker Mayfield was having some real trouble with a Cleveland Browns defense that smelled blood, batting passes down before an errant throw in the direction of Shi Smith was picked off by Grant Delpit.
It didn’t take long for the boo boys at Bank of America Stadium to make their feelings known about the team’s lack of efficiency. Only when the Carolina Panthers went 14-0 down thanks to a pair of Kareen Hunt scores did Mayfield finally show signs of life.
Mayfield hit D.J. Moore for a nice gain on third down before capitalizing on defensive miscommunication for a 50-yard reception to tight end Ian Thomas. This allowed Christian McCaffrey to go in and reduce the deficit.
Carolina’s momentum was halted with a Browns’ field goal that sent them into the break 17-7 behind. And the murmurings of discontent from the stands were there for all to hear.
Mayfield’s first-half stats spoke for themselves.
- 52.63% completion
- 101 passing yards
- 0 TDs
- 1 INT
- 2 sacks against (-17 yards)
- 46.2 passer rating (ESPN)
Half-time couldn’t have come soon enough, in all honesty. Just so how much things could improve was another matter entirely.
Baker Mayfield displayed grit in the face of adversity
Just when all hope seemed lost, Baker Mayfield displayed the sort of spark that the Carolina Panthers were looking for when they acquired the signal-caller earlier this summer.
Mayfield was fantastic down the stretch. A quick drive saw the quarterback rush for a score and this was swiftly followed by a deep bomb to Robbie Anderson that set Bank of America Stadium alight.
A field goal put them up heading into the final minute. But a terrible roughing the passer call coupled with a deep kick from rookie fourth-rounder Cade York was enough for the Cleveland Browns to come away with a last-gasp triumph.
This sort of grit in the face of adversity is all well and good. But the Panthers only have themselves to blame for a poor first half that put them in a massive hole, to begin with.
Mayfield finished the game with 235 passing yards and two combined touchdowns. More importantly, his ability to inspire shone through in the clutch, even if things didn’t go Carolina’s way in terms of a positive result.
One can only look at Mayfield’s performance under immense pressure late on as a positive. Something that will hopefully stand him and the Panthers in good stead throughout the season.
Carolina Panthers and Baker Mayfield get a major wake-up call
Make no mistake, this was a significant wake-up call for the Carolina Panthers. And if Baker Mayfield didn’t know it before, he is now all too aware of the magnitude of the task awaiting him in 2022.
The optimism surrounding this team before the campaign evaporated quickly. The Cleveland Browns had their way in the trenches and ran all over Carolina with the supreme duo of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt from start to finish.
As stated previously, Mayfield didn’t throw in the towel. But there was just too much working against the Panthers collectively to secure a comeback for the ages.
Some harsh lessons were learned in no uncertain terms. Complications that became rife last season also reared their ugly head once again en route to Carolina’s eventual demise.
Mayfield’s performance was a tale of two halves, overall. Unable to put a sloppy start behind him and left himself far too much to do.
It was never going to be perfect. The early signs were not good, but there was enough to suggest Mayfield can put up real numbers as the season goes on.
The problem is that Carolina needs some early wins in the column.
What’s important for Mayfield is to dust himself off, regroup, and hopefully perform better at the New York Giants in a must-win game for the Panthers. If they fall in that one, their slim hopes of wildcard football will be an extremely tough ask.