4 major observations from Baker Mayfield’s performance at the Bengals

Baker Mayfield made some big-time throws

Baker Mayfield wasted no time stamping his mark on the contest, putting points on the board immediately and making some big-time throws throughout the second half. The Carolina Panthers looked like a more efficient offense with the Heisman Trophy winner under center, although the bar was at an all-time low after P.J. Walker’s failings to open the encounter.

This was a step in the right direction for Mayfield, who went through some significant complications over the first five weeks. There was velocity in his attempts, he checked the football down when needed, and was also clinical in the red zone to give the score a semblance of respectability.

The throws to Tommy Tremble and Terrace Marshall Jr. for touchdowns were impressive and something to build upon. Another dart to the underused D.J. Moore also caught the eye.

After such a disappointing start to the season coupled with some enforced time on the sidelines, this will do wonders for Mayfield. It didn’t help Carolina any with the game already way out of hand, but it could be the spark that ignites the quarterback to bigger things moving forward.

Of course, nobody could say that with any great confidence. The Panthers are still a team in real turmoil despite Matt Rhule’s firing, which left behind an ungodly mess that might take years to clean up.