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.
Lack of confidence in Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield might have been the starter by default after P.J. Walker’s injury. But it was clear from early on that there wasn’t the same confidence in his abilities.
As stated previously, the Carolina Panthers got nothing going on the ground. Although this made things more complicated than they needed to be, the number of wide receiver screens and throws on routes behind the sticks was a clear sign that offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo didn’t want to put the game in Mayfield’s hands.
Judging by what happened late in the contest, it’s not hard to see why. Mayfield threw two interceptions when the tempo was raised after the Baltimore Ravens seize command, which will likely justify McAdoo’s decision to keep things conservative where the Heisman Trophy winner is concerned.
There were one or two nice throws to the likes of Terrace Marshall Jr. and D.J. Moore, but any joy Carolina’s offense had was fleeting. Something that failed to capitalize on an exceptional performance from the team’s growing defensive unit.
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McAdoo wasn’t the biggest fan of Mayfield during his pre-draft assessment. Time was at a premium for the pair to hit it off before the campaign, but something just isn’t clicking and both could pay with their jobs once the 2022 season concludes.
Baker Mayfield is out of excuses
There were viable excuses for Baker Mayfield’s poor production over the opening five weeks. Matt Rhule’s influence, the unnecessary quarterback competition with Sam Darnold, minimal time to develop chemistry, and suspect play-calling featured heavily, but those are wearing extremely thin with so much of the season already played out.
This was the trade anticipated to get the Carolina Panthers from also-rans into contention. A ceiling that Mayfield hasn’t been able to hit at any stage during his time as the team’s starter.
While Mayfield should be commended for his leadership and adaptability to an ever-changing circumstance, all fans truly care about is production when it counts. An area where he’s been found wanting.
Mayfield’s latest disappointing performance only increases the doubts surrounding his long-term NFL aspirations. His time in Carolina won’t last beyond the current campaign, but what comes next for the No. 1 overall selection in 2018 is murkier than ever before.
If this represented one last audition for Mayfield to prove he’s capable of leading a franchise to prominence, he couldn’t make the most of it. In all honesty, the fact Carolina’s ever-improving defense held Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens to 13 points on the road makes it even worse.
Baker Mayfield blew his final chance
Good fortune gave Baker Mayfield another shot. A last-chance saloon scenario to finally start silencing some increasing concerns about his NFL longevity.
The Carolina Panthers were hoping this extra sense of urgency would be enough to galvanize Mayfield to greater heights. Not for the first time at football’s most important position, they were mistaken.
Mayfield finished another erratic afternoon with a 66.36 percent completion success for 196 passing yards, no touchdowns, two interceptions, and a 54.6 passer rating as a result of his efforts. He was sacked four times.
Interim head coach Steve Wilks stated that it was too early to say who would be the starting quarterback in Week 12 against the Denver Broncos. However, it would be a big surprise if the Panthers rolled Mayfield out there again given the draft implications that come with him playing more than 70 percent of snaps.
Not only this, but P.J. Walker’s performed better. In fact, one could make a strong case that Sam Darnold’s best in 2021 would also be an improvement.
That is where the Panthers are currently. A damning indictment of their recent quarterback gambles that cost Matt Rhule his job and will lead to many more changes in the not-too-distant future.
At least fans can take solace in the fact this hell is almost at an end.