Grading Carolina Panthers QB Baker Mayfield’s performance in Week 1
By Dean Jones
How did Carolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield perform under extreme pressure against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1?
It wasn’t the fairytale ending Baker Mayfield and the Carolina Panthers were hoping for in Week 1. Despite an incredible late rally against the Cleveland Browns, they were undone at the death after a long-range field goal from rookie Cade York condemned Matt Rhule to his eighth-straight defeat dating back to last season.
This was not what many fans anticipated following a promising offseason. Mayfield’s arrival brought heightened expectations, but perhaps clashing with his old employers right out of the gate was a step too far emotionally for the player based on how things transpired.
The Panthers are now 4-13 over their last 17 games and have lost eight in a row. There is a long way to go and Mayfield looked like a capable signal-caller down the stretch, but this does nothing to lessen the pressure on Rhule heading into a crutch encounter at the New York Giants next weekend.
Mayfield is no doubt relieved this game and the added media attention is out of the way. While the result didn’t go in his favor, the Oklahoma product was keen to remind everyone following the contest that there are 16 games left and everything to play for.
Time is of the essence and the margin for error is slimmer than ever. Before looking ahead, we examined Mayfield’s performance in detail en route to a Week 1 grade.