The Carolina Panthers are stuck in a difficult situation at quarterback.
They traded for Baker Mayfield during the offseason, hoping he would help elevate the team’s offense.
Unfortunately, Carolina has had a disastrous start to the season, and Mayfield has a hand in it.
Through four games, the former Oklahoma standout has completed only 54.7 percent of his passes for 747 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions.
The Panthers have been lucky to win one of their first four games.
Worst yet, problems about Mayfield failing to see the open man continue to resurface in Carolina.
They have no other options behind center except for P.J. Walker.
Matt Corral is still on injured reserve, while Sam Darnold‘s timetable remains indefinite.
Therefore, Panthers head coach Matt Rhule has no choice but to embrace the bitter truth.
Matt Rhule: "I think Baker's our quarterback. We have to continue to find ways to help him. … Sam (Darnold) is not cleared right now."
— Joe Person (@josephperson) October 3, 2022
Panthers insider Joe Person tweeted, “I think Baker’s our quarterback. We have to continue to find ways to help him. … Sam (Darnold) is not cleared right now.”
Depressing Numbers For The Panthers Offense
Those are not comforting words to a struggling franchise, especially to Mayfield.
They are letting him play because they have no choice.
Sadly, the part about finding ways to help him have not materialized.
The Panthers are dead last in total yards per game with 262.3.
They are second-worst in passing yards (166) and 24th in rushing yards (96.3) per game.
Carolina hasn’t reached the 25-point mark in each of their first four games.
Meanwhile, Mayfield is yet to reach 250 passing yards and averaged 170.6 yards in his last three games.
On the other hand, Darnold is off injured reserve and may return soon.
But given that he suffered from a high ankle sprain, it may take a while before he becomes available.
NEXT: NFL Insider Reveals Week 5 Sam Darnold Injury Update