4 critical factors behind Baker Mayfield’s failed Panthers tenure

Carolina Panthers didn’t get enough from Baker Mayfield

One can point fingers and make excuses regarding Baker Mayfield’s failed time with the Carolina Panthers. But at the end of the day, the quarterback just didn’t do enough.

He didn’t do enough to keep the job after winning it.

He didn’t do enough to keep Sam Darnold and P.J. Walker on the fringes.

And he didn’t do enough to win over Carolina’s fanbase – many of whom were extremely skeptical of this trade, to begin with.

Mayfield’s six starts came with a 57.8 percent completion percentage for 1,313 passing yards, six touchdowns, and six interceptions. His passer rating was 74.4, the player’s QBR stood at a lowly 18.2, and his 52.2 grade from Pro Football Focus was another reflection of his poor performance levels.

If this was Mayfield’s final chance to win a starting job, it was a complete failure. Wherever the polarizing figure ends up next, it’ll be a long road back to relevancy.

Steve Wilks is a straight-talker and in fairness to Mayfield, he’s adapted well to a backup role enough to warrant consideration from elsewhere. Perhaps the recent injuries around the league played a part in this situation, but the interim head coach had already deemed him surplus to requirements in any case.

It’ll be interesting to see where Mayfield goes next. But his time with the Panthers will always come with a sense of what might have been.