5 Carolina Panthers firmly on the hot seat vs. 49ers in Week 5

Baker Mayfield – Carolina Panthers QB

If Baker Mayfield got the benefit of the doubt over his early stint under center in 2022, the pendulum is now swinging after another hugely disappointing display against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4.

The quarterback produced arguably his worst performance of a very bad bunch so far in 2022. Something that saw boos ring down from Bank of America Stadium and further doubts surface about Mayfield’s ability to become Carolina’s long-term answer.

Mayfield’s resilience is renowned – almost to a fault. But the time for talk is at an end for someone that is fighting for his career as a prominent NFL starter in Carolina or elsewhere.

There are some obvious problems with Ben McAdoo’s scheme as previously mentioned. This is not putting Mayfield or his playmakers in the best position to thrive, but the signal-caller must also recognize his own failings and respond accordingly.

Talk throughout the week leading up to Week 5 has surrounded the offense getting things right. Mayfield, McAdoo, and Christian McCaffrey all commented things would be better this week, which might be easier said than done versus such an elite defensive unit.

If Mayfield can overcome the odds and lead the Panthers to a much-needed win as heavy underdogs, it could become the catalyst behind better fortunes as the campaign goes on. However, nobody could say that with any real confidence with the San Francisco 49ers and studs such as Nick Bosa coming to town.