3 Reasons Baker Mayfield can take Panthers to the playoffs

1. Backs up against the wall

Anyone who has followed Baker Mayfield has heard it more times than they can count — don’t ever count him out. Mayfield has always proven he will bet on himself, and so far, he has done very well in this regard.

After going from walk-on to starter at Texas Tech, he lost his job to Patrick Mahomes. This led to him moving to Norman, Oklahoma where he was again a walk-on for the Sooners. He not only became a starter there as well, but this time, he won the Heisman before turning into the top pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Mayfield also typically responded well to adversity in Cleveland — that was until 2021. Now heading into this season, he’s facing more doubters than ever before, which is sure to light a fire under him. He’s also going to be out to prove he deserves a big contract in 2023, which will be another motivating factor.

Having said all of that, he’s not the only one with his back against the wall. Head coach Matt Rhule has underwhelmed in his first two seasons, going just 10-23 thus far in his NFL career. Like Mayfield, he has a lot to prove — and could be on his last chance with the Panthers.

With all of that taking place, this could be a season where each shows the league their absolute best.