4 key takeaways from Baker Mayfield’s presser ahead of Week 2 at Giants
By Dean Jones
Baker Mayfield sees the potential for offense
If the Carolina Panthers started slow on offense in Week 1, they left a notable impression down the stretch. Baker Mayfield was almost flawless in the fourth quarter, securing two touchdowns and a perfect 158.3 passer rating en route to almost attaining the unlikeliest of comebacks.
The Panthers might be regretting settling for a field goal rather than going for the touchdown on their final offensive drive. Especially considering the form Mayfield was in at the time.
Despite the eventual result not going Carolina’s way, Mayfield pointed out the potential demonstrated in the final stages, which will hopefully be the catalyst behind bigger and better things moving forward.
"“That’s the potential for all of our guys to look at, just everybody doing their job. Realizing even in some not-so-great looks, we were able to execute our plays and do it at a high level. Like I said, it was two completely different teams first half and second half, so everybody do your job. Focus on that, play the next play, … and realizing we can be a very good team and confident in that.”"
If the Panthers can put this sort of production on offense together for a full game, they’ll be difficult to stop. Mayfield’s urgency, accuracy, and poise made substantial strides when it came to the crunch, which was always a criticism of Sam Darnold and Teddy Bridgewater during their stints under center since Matt Rhule took charge.