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.
Carolina Panthers QB Baker Mayfield’s good
Things looked incredibly bleak for the Carolina Panthers after a first half that can be described as disastrous. However, Baker Mayfield has never been one to go down without a fight and this proved to be the case once again.
Mayfield came to life midway through the third quarter and this continued right until the end. The quarterback’s urgency and ability to inspire came across in no uncertain terms, leading to a rushing touchdown and a deep bomb to wide receiver Robbie Anderson that finally got the fanbase off their seats.
This was followed by Mayfield entering the red zone late in the contest. But instead of going for the throat, offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo opted for the cautious approach with three consecutive running plays and a field goal in the hope Carolina’s defense could get a stop.
While it might have been beneficial to lean on Mayfield – who was red-hot by this point – it doesn’t detract from the positive turnaround accomplished by the Heisman Trophy winner with the spotlight glaring brighter than ever.
Mayfield finished his final five drives with 9-of-12 passing for 211 yards and two combined touchdowns. He also led his team down the field on a game-winning drive that unfortunately went the other way.
There’s a lot of hard work ahead. But with Mayfield, the Panthers could have some light at the end of the tunnel.
Carolina Panthers QB Baker Mayfield’s bad
Baker Mayfield worked hard to keep his emotions in check during the week. There was an incredible amount of media attention coming his way, all looking for the one soundbite that would light the blue touch paper against the team that cast him aside in favor of Deshaun Watson.
The quarterback also displayed a calm demeanor before the contest. But his actions on the field indicated Mayfield was more amped up than ever as the Cleveland Browns had their way with the No. 1 overall selection in 2018.
Things looked extremely disjointed in the first quarter. The Carolina Panthers completely ignored the run, instead opting to put the game in Mayfield’s hands and they suffered as a result.
Multiple batted passes and botched snaps occurred throughout a frustrating half. And a wayward throw in the direction of Shi Smith was intercepted by Grant Delpit to compound Mayfield’s misery.
It was just so disjointed. A clear lack of chemistry stemmed from Mayfield’s late arrival and Carolina’s insistence to have a quarterback competition throughout training camp and the preseason.
Things got better gradually. Mayfield settled down and began making the right reads, providing an explosive element to his production that was sorely lacking with Sam Darnold and Teddy Bridgewater.
Had the Panthers and Mayfield started better, the result would have been different.
Carolina Panthers QB Baker Mayfield’s grade
It took Baker Mayfield and the Carolina Panthers too long to get going. In a game of fine margins such as this, such a slow opening to proceedings was always set to make a big-time difference one way or another.
Mayfield deserves a tremendous amount of credit for regrouping and getting the Panthers within touching distance of an opening day triumph. When he finally found something like his top gear, the Cleveland Browns could do little to stop him.
Putting this all together over four quarters is the next big challenge for Mayfield. He cannot do it alone, so offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo must generate a more balanced approach in Week 2 against a New York Giants team riding on the crest of a wave following an impressive victory at the Tennessee Titans.
Miracles weren’t going to happen overnight. But it does seem like this was another game where the Panthers beat themselves, although they weren’t helped by two extremely questionable officiating calls down the stretch.
Overall Grade: C-
There was an obvious mixture of good and bad where Mayfield is concerned. The player will be determined to put things right and another week of developing chemistry is only going to help his cause next weekend and beyond.