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

Did Baker Mayfield do enough to win back his starting job?

Moving on from P.J. Walker after a disastrous first half was a necessary evil for the Carolina Panthers. It was a no-win situation for a team that was down badly at the break, so Steve Wilks took this time to integrate Baker Mayfield once again and see if his production can encourage an offense that was devoid of confidence.

It was encouraging in difficult circumstances from Mayfield. And with a short week before their Thursday Night Football clash with the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium, Wilks doesn’t have long to choose a starting option in Week 10.

Mayfield might be the more talented quarterback all things considered. But one cannot dismiss the impact made by Walker over the last fortnight before this showing.

With the interim head coach fighting to win the job long-term, he cannot afford to make a false move here. Wilks must be 100 percent convinced in Mayfield to make another switch because if it fails, the ramifications would likely see the Panthers go in a different direction for their next head coach.

The No. 1 overall selection in 2018 has been professional and helpful in a backup role. Mayfield was seen trying to assist Walker during his severe complications on Sunday, but he’ll be chomping at the bit to start if Wilks gives him the green light.