4 major observations from Baker Mayfield’s performance at the Ravens
By Dean Jones
What were some major observations from Carolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield’s performance at the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11?
A significant opportunity awaited Baker Mayfield this weekend at the Baltimore Ravens. P.J. Walker’s ankle compilation forced the Carolina Panthers to install their marquee offseason acquisition back into the starting lineup, which was the first time he’s had complete command under center since Matt Rhule was fired after a demoralizing loss in Week 5.
Mayfield entered the last chance saloon against a foe he knows well from his time on the Cleveland Browns. Although the Panthers weren’t expected to put up much of a fight, how the signal-caller performed would tell us plenty about what to expect over Carolina’s remaining contests in 2022.
As it turned out, Mayfield underwhelmed once again and the Panthers couldn’t muster anything offensively en route to another defeat. This negated an outstanding overall performance on defense against Lamar Jackson.
With this in mind, here are four major observations from Mayfield’s performance at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday.
Major Observation No. 1
Baker Mayfield showed hesitancy
If there was one hallmark of Baker Mayfield’s time under center for the Carolina Panthers, it’s hesitancy in the pocket. Something that was on full display once again in Week 11.
Mayfield was accurate if nothing else in the first half, but the same complications emerged after the break which centered around the quarterback holding onto the football for too long and failing to trust his offensive line.
Carolina having no running attack hurt, obviously. But this does not detract from a clear hesitant approach from Mayfield in pursuit of moving the chains.