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

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.

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.

Did Baker Mayfield benefit from empty calories?

Statistically speaking, this was much improved by Baker Mayfield. But to examine his production without context would be unfair.

The Cincinnati Bengals were in complete command of this game and out of sight midway through the second quarter. This allowed them to play a little softer from a coverage standpoint and even rest some key defenders as the second half wore on.

This benefitted Mayfield and probably allowed him to get into a better rhythm. Had there been more on the line, things might have been different.

Mayfield still had to make the throws and turn such a bad situation into a personal positive. Something he managed to accomplish with 70 percent of his passes completed for 155 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions, and a 126.0 passer rating according to ESPN.

As stated previously, the Carolina Panthers went back in Mayfield’s direction at the first opportunity. There was enough zip and accuracy in his distribution to indicate further improvements down the line, but the attitude and standard of the opposition with the tie already decided is enough to be skeptical.

With that being said, this was as difficult as it gets in terms of situational football with morale lower than ever. So for that reason, Mayfield deserves credit for his contribution.

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.