What were some major observations from Carolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield’s performance against the New Orleans Saints in Week 3?
Flashing for brief moments during games isn’t going to cut it for Baker Mayfield anymore. The Carolina Panthers need their quarterback to lead from the front and get this team out of their current slump, so there was a lot on the line for all parties heading into a crunch divisional clash versus the New Orleans Saints in Week 3.
Mayfield acknowledged as much during his media availability this week. The excuse of chemistry issues coming from a lack of offseason reps won’t wash for much longer and coming up against the Saints’ defense meant things were hanging in the balance at Bank of America Stadium.
As it turned out, Mayfield wasn’t at his best yet again. But it didn’t matter as the Panthers got themselves a morale-boosting victory that saves their season.
With that being said, here are four major observations from Mayfield’s performance in Week 3.
Major Observation No. 1
Baker Mayfield remains hesitant
It was another afternoon where Baker Mayfield looked hesitant in the pocket. The signal-caller seemed to lack confidence in his offensive line once again and removed invited pressure when there was no need given how well the protection stood up more often than not.
Mayfield was sacked three times for a loss of 22 yards. But one could make a strong case for the quarterback bringing that on himself and this is something that has to change because it’s impacting everyone else from an offensive standpoint.
Baker Mayfield’s accuracy issues
Not only was there hesitancy in the pocket where Baker Mayfield was concerned, but his accuracy issues also reared their ugly head once again in Week 3 against the New Orleans Saints. The quarterback’s timing looks way off with his primary playmakers despite getting consistent protection from the offensive line, which left the Carolina Panthers relying on defense and special teams to get them over the line.
This has gone from a slight concern to an ongoing complication. Mayfield didn’t get the right time to enhance chemistry with teammates after splitting reps with Sam Darnold, but we are now almost one month into the season and nothing seems to be improving.
Mayfield completed just 48 percent of his passes in Week 3 for 170 passing yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. However, it’s worth remembering that 67 of these came from a shallow route that Laviska Shenault Jr. broke off for a huge gain and score.
The Heisman Trophy winner protected the football, at least. But with a QBR of just 11.1 and an 83.8 passer rating, it’s not good enough.
Thankfully, it didn’t prevent Carolina from gaining the win – a first in ten games. However, with some tough challenges coming against teams from the NFC West, Mayfield has to get on the same page with his wide receivers if the Panthers want to build on this newfound positivity.
Another indifferent day for Baker Mayfield
If there were doubts about Baker Mayfield’s ability to produce the goods heading into Week 3, he did nothing to prove otherwise. The quarterback’s inconsistent production is something he’s all too aware of, but the Carolina Panthers didn’t acquire him via trade from the Cleveland Browns for the same complications we saw with Sam Darnold and Teddy Bridgewater.
Mayfield’s erratic distribution and lack of timing are worrying, to put it mildly. Something that’s also hurting the likes of D.J. Moore and Christian McCaffrey to further heighten concerns.
When discussing his performance after the game, Mayfield was under no illusions. The win was of pivotal importance, but it’s hard to gauge how far the Panthers can go with this sort of production under center when it’s all said and done.
"“I’m going to look back at the tape and not be real happy, honestly. Considering the third down conversions. We’ll take wins when we get them, no doubt about that.”"
Opposing teams will look to put the game in Mayfield’s hands for as long as he’s struggling to find consistency. There are also some serious problems regarding route concepts and a failure to convert third downs, which is nothing new over the opening three games.
The jury is still out on Mayfield. And it’s going to take a huge effort to get this offense clicking in the right manner.
Urgency must increase for Baker Mayfield
As stated previously, we are now almost a month into the 2022 season and Baker Mayfield’s performances remain problematic. Simply put, there must be more urgency from the Oklahoma product to put things right and start making more of an instant opportunity to start again after being cast aside by the Cleveland Browns.
If Mayfield doesn’t turn things around, and quickly, then there might not be a third chance for the signal-caller in Carolina or elsewhere in 2023. He’s in the final year of his rookie deal and the next few months are critically important in the pursuit of salvaging his career.
Mayfield has demonstrated on occasions what he might be able to accomplish. But these moments have been fleeting and consistency must progress to avoid additional complications moving forward.
It appears as if Sam Darnold is a few weeks away from returning. However, if Mayfield continues to hold this offense back, then there might be a few calling for the USC product to be installed under center when healthy.
That sounds drastic considering the inept performances Darnold put together last season. It would also be nothing short of a disaster for Mayfield’s career prospects if this scenario came to fruition.
Carolina cannot rely on defense and special teams putting up points every week. So the onus is on Mayfield and offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo to get on the same page and start finding the correct formula.