3 winless NFL teams that could be in major trouble

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Noah Brown (85) catches a touchdown pass as Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III (30) defends in the first quarter of an NFL Week 2 game, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Dallas Cowboys won, 20-17.Nfl Cincinnati Bengals At Dallas Cowboys Sept 18 2731 /

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NFL Week 3, Carolina Panthers, Baker Mayfield (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

NFL Week 3: Mayfield not the answer in Carolina

Well, maybe Baker is the answer if the question is “which mediocre quarterback replaced Sam Darnold?” Carolina has an abundance of talent on offense. They have a healthy (so far) Christian McCaffrey, D.J. Moore, and Robbie Anderson. The pieces are there offensively for more than 16 points versus the Giants. The missing ingredient appears to be twofold.

First, Baker Mayfield is not good, and Ron Rivera hasn’t figured out how to unlock whatever potential he might have. Play calling appears to be a little suspect as well. Rivera and his staff only managed 19 touches for Christian McCaffrey in a game that was close throughout. Why not get the ball into the hands of your best player?

Mayfield dinked and dunked his way to 145 yards on only 29 attempts, so obviously Rivera knows to minimize Mayfield’s opportunities, but a 25-carry game for McCaffrey should have been in order against the Giants. Carolina hosts a Saint team in week three that might have Alvin Kamara back and boasts a resurgent Mike Thomas and stud rookie Chris Olave. A loss in week three and Panthers coach Ron Rivera’s seat might be getting warmer.

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