Baker Mayfield – Carolina Panthers QB
It was hard to put into perspective how emotional it was for Baker Mayfield in Week 1. A fresh start and competitive debut in a different environment are enough to contend with, but clashing with the organization that deemed the quarterback surplus to requirements this offseason only made things worse.
Offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo put far too much on Mayfield last weekend. Completely ignoring Christian McCaffrey’s run capabilities in the first half was inexcusable and eventually cost the Carolina Panthers despite a superb late rally.
Mayfield flashed what he might be able to accomplish in Carolina during the fourth quarter. But until the former Oklahoma standout puts it together for a full game, then questions will remain.
In fairness to Mayfield, this is something he’s acutely aware of. He took responsibility for the team’s failing as a good leader should, but the same complications cannot surface at the New York Giants if Carolina wants to finally kick-start their campaign.
There will always be some that support or criticize Mayfield no matter what. That’s what comes with being such a polarizing figure, in all honesty.
Mayfield can begin silencing his doubters with a bounce-back display at Met Life Stadium. But the onus is also on McAdoo not to freeze against the team that fired him as head coach.