The Carolina Panthers 2022 season seems to be on the shoulders of Baker Mayfield.
After making a deal with the Cleveland Browns to get him, the team’s all-in on him this season.
However, the question for fans is if he can give their team hope in 2022.
While Mayfield was the clear number one guy after the trade, it doesn’t mean instant success for Carolina.
They have a tough division and a schedule that isn’t easy.
But can Mayfield be the hope in Carolina like Cam Newton was so many years ago?
Mayfield Had To Earn His Spot And Respect Of Teammates As Starting QB
The road to getting the starting job went through Sam Darnold, the former starting QB in Carolina.
However, Mayfield impressed leadership in Carolina, helping him secure the starting job.
But they aren’t the only people impressed with him in Carolina.
Teammate and top Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey is sold on Mayfield.
Hear what Christian McCaffrey said about Baker Mayfield winning the starting job… pic.twitter.com/CbfHC6Y5m3
— Steve Reed (@SteveReedAP) August 23, 2022
By his remarks, it seems like many people are excited with the former first overall draft pick quarterbacking the team.
Even Robbie Anderson is now behind Mayfield in Carolina.
4,740 Yds 38 TD THE HERD | Colin "reacts" Robbie Anderson: I like Baker Mayfield's leadership and confidence https://t.co/cDVBWYrjhu https://t.co/Zh4sCRu5Ru
— Jamaal Al-Din (@Hoops227_NFL) August 18, 2022
With his teammates behind him, a lot is riding on him this season.
However, one person his rooting for him more than everyone else in Carolina.
Matt Rhule’s Coaching Job Is Riding On Mayfield’s Performance In Carolina
Before the 2022 regular season even begins, head coach Matt Rhule is already on the hot seat.
Matt Rhule and Mike McCarthy are on the hot seat to perform this season.
Which head coach do you think gets fired first? 🤔⤵️
Odds via @unibet pic.twitter.com/CAPojPklvS
— Covers (@Covers) August 18, 2022
The team has given him another chance, even after two disastrous seasons in Carolina.
However, that chance rides on Mayfield’s performance this season.
If he doesn’t win enough games to make the Panthers competitive in 2022, Rhule won’t be around after the season ends.
That’s why the team’s new QB has so much pressure on him this year.
But that pressure isn’t anything new for him, as he faced similar pressure in Cleveland.
He helped the Browns make their first playoff appearance in over 20 years when he was quarterbacking the team.
However, some of the success was more on the surrounding talent on offense and defense.
So could a lack of big-name players around him mean the end for Rhule’s career with the team?
Can Mayfield Perform Without Top-Tier Players?
Mayfield’s limited success in Cleveland came on the backs of multiple top-tier players on the Browns roster.
However, there are few top-tier talents in Carolina.
They have a great running back in McCaffrey, but only when he can stay healthy.
Anderson is a good receiver, but he isn’t quite top-tier.
And the Panthers defense can’t hold a candle to the star power in Cleveland.
So without these pieces around him, will it lead to him failing in Carolina?
It very well could, if he hasn’t made the right adjustments.
While players helped Mayfield look good, it’s time for him to make the players in Carolina look good.
If he is a quarterback of that caliber, much like Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, then the Panthers have their hopes resting on the right QB.
NEXT: Panthers Reporter Shares A Silver Lining For Sam Darnold