4 ways Panthers QB Baker Mayfield can bounce back in Week 3 vs. Saints
By Dean Jones
Baker Mayfield must learn to be conservative
One thing Baker Mayfield loves to do is look for the big play.
Sometimes, even when it isn’t there.
There’s nothing wrong with taking a check-down when things aren’t developing as expected downfield. Considering what’s at stake for the Carolina Panthers in Week 3, becoming more efficient with the football in pursuit of moving the chains is imperative.
Mayfield will still look to air it out in the hope he can maximize his outside weapons. However, the New Orleans Saints have exceptional defensive backs that can not only lock down opposing skill players but also create turnovers when the slightest opportunities come their way.
The former Oklahoma star acknowledged the need to take care of the football during his Wednesday presser. Mayfield holds himself to high standards, but major adjustments are needed to avoid a tenth-straight loss dating back to last season.
"“Not good enough. I only care about winning, no matter what my stats are. (I) haven’t taken care of the ball well enough. That’s pretty much the only stat I really care about."
The Saints will smell blood in this one. They did a tremendous job of restricting Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers until Marshon Lattimore went out of the game in Week 2 and are sure to fancy their chances of making Mayfield’s life difficult to get one over on their NFC South rivals.