4 mistakes Baker Mayfield cannot afford to make in Week 5 vs. 49ers

Baker Mayfield must not fold in key situations

Something that separates the good quarterbacks from the lackluster is the ability to come through in clutch situations. A task that’s proved challenging for Baker Mayfield over his first four games with the Carolina Panthers.

Whether it’s third-down efficiency, red-zone conversions, or simply driving his team to victory in close contests, Mayfield has been found wanting. This cannot continue against the San Francisco 49ers if the Heisman Trophy winner wants to salvage anything from the campaign.

Chances might be at a premium versus San Francisco given how dominant they are from a defensive standpoint. So there can be no errors in judgment from Mayfield if they want to keep this one close.

If the Panthers are in the thick of things heading into the latter stages, then Mayfield has won half the battle. But unless he can get Carolina over the line, it will be for nothing.

There doesn’t appear to be any immediate pressure on Mayfield’s job status as Sam Darnold works his way back from a high ankle sprain. However, there are more doubts than ever surrounding his long-term aspirations in Carolina or elsewhere beyond the 2022 campaign.

Mayfield remains determined and is saying all the right things. The confidence in him from within the locker room also remains despite things not going according to the script as yet.

Just play well and don’t be the reason Carolina cannot make strides. That’s not too much to ask, surely?