4 major observations from Baker Mayfield’s performance at the Bengals
By Dean Jones
What were some major observations from Carolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield’s performance at the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9?
Baker Mayfield is back healthy after a period out with a high ankle sprain. But the Carolina Panthers were keen for P.J. Walker to assume command under center at the Cincinnati Bengals after impressing over the last fortnight.
This left Mayfield facing the prospect of being the team’s backup for Carolina’s remaining games. A role he was embracing fully and even received praise from interim head coach Steve Wilks for his professionalism in the face of adversity.
The Panthers were absolutely demolished by Cincinnati to the tune of 42-21. Something that saw Wilks install Mayfield into the lineup after a dismal first-half from Walker.
With this in mind, we picked out four major observations from Mayfield’s performance at the Bengals in Week 9.
Major Observation No. 1
Carolina Panthers turned to Baker Mayfield early
Steve Wilks stated that it is a week-to-week evaluation at the quarterback position. But it didn’t take long for the Carolina Panthers to remove PJ. Walker from the equation in Week 9 in favor of Baker Mayfield.
The former Oklahoma star entered the fray at halftime after Walker earned a 0.0 passer rating in the first half. Whether this is a sign of things to come remains to be seen, but it was no doubt confidence-building for Mayfield to get the nod rather than affording the one-time XFL MVP candidate an opportunity to turn things around.