4 major observations from Baker Mayfield’s performance at NY Giants

Baker Mayfield must utilize his primary weapons more

Forcing the issue has been evident over the first two games where Baker Mayfield is concerned. The quarterback got adequate protection for the majority of Sunday’s game at the New York Giants, but if the player and the Carolina Panthers want to start winning, then he has to find a better way of utilizing his primary weapons.

There were times when Mayfield managed to accomplish this. D.J. Moore came to life shortly after the break that resulted in Carolina’s only touchdown, but Robbie Anderson was seldom seen, and running back Christian McCaffrey also failed to make a lasting contribution in the passing game.

Moore, McCaffrey, and Anderson combined for 101 receiving yards and one touchdown from 10 receptions in Week 2. Simply put, the Panthers need this to increase and it will be up to Mayfield to deliver the goods in the face of a daunting upcoming schedule.

Just how much this has to do with scheme familiarity or the lack of genuine time to develop chemistry during the offseason is debatable. Mayfield isn’t one for excuses but with a QBR of 16.0 and a 74.6 passer rating in Week 2, the Oklahoma product must turn solid performances into legitimate quality that propels the Panthers in key moments.

Getting the aforementioned trio the football often rather than forcing it elsewhere would be a good place to start. But the onus also falls on offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo to scheme things up in a way that maximizes the talent at Mayfield’s disposal.