Carolina Panthers: 3 Questions headed into 2022

Carolina Panthers

Is Baker Mayfield Week 1’s starter?

The logic dictates that the Panthers did not trade for Mayfield to have him behind former top-five pick Sam Darnold after the disappointments of Darnold in 2021.  The Panthers don’t openly admit to Mayfield being the starter in Week 1. They are positioning the trade to create a more robust QB competition. This also includes… um… P.J. Walker. It’s safe for us to all wager that Mayfield will be tossed the keys before the season starts. People forget that Mayfield led the Browns to the playoffs two seasons ago and actually won a playoff game! Last season he played injured, and I think is a man that can get the job done in Carolina. Check out the best new bookmakers for betting on the NFL.

Mayfield is the solution to the future?

After he has taken the controls, Mayfield will have to show that he is everything Darnold isn’t. He is a former first-round pick and is still worth the admission price. Because he will face the Cleveland Browns, his first opponent, Mayfield, has a chance to make waves and create a storm surge. Mayfield has “circled” the clash in Week 1, which tells you everything you need to know about the answer. However, it doesn’t reveal if Mayfield is the future of Carolina’s franchise — something Matt Rhule desperately needs.

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Matt Rhule can climb off the hot seat.

Almost one year ago, I identified Rhule as a hot-seat candidate. While some thought it premature, I didn’t. Now, as the 2022 training camp approaches, it’s hard to argue that this is the most crucial season in his tenure.  This marks Rhule’s third attempt to find and develop a franchise quarterback in the same number of seasons. He has already failed to land with  Teddy Bridgewater and the trade for Darnold. Rhule may be a third time lucky, but if he is not it will be time to leave. This is because he’s now 10-23, and this is the NFL which stands for, will you know?