Why isn't Baker Mayfield playing vs. Broncos today in Week 12?
The Carolina Panthers are taking on the Denver Broncos, but what you might notice is that Baker Mayfield isn't the starting quarterback. The former Cleveland Browns QB has had an up-and-down start to his life with the Panthers and it hasn't taken long for him to be benched.
Many thought Mayfield's acquisition would present a change in fortunes for the NFC franchise, but it hasn't worked out that may. The 27-year-old is a poor 1-5 on the season, forcing interim head coach Steve Wilks' hand to give Sam Darnold a start over Mayfield.
QB changes this week:
#Panthers: Baker Mayfield --> Sam Darnold
#Jets: Zach Wilson --> Mike White
#Texans: Davis Mills --> Kyle Allen
Potential QB changes due to injury:
#Rams: Matthew Stafford --> Bryce Perkins
#Bears: Justin Fields --> Trevor Siemian
Baker Mayfield was dealing with an ankle injury earlier in the season, and perhaps that has had something to do with his poor performances. But Panthers fans probably don't see it that way. Likely, they just just to win.
Panthers begin life without Baker Mayfield against the Broncos
Both the Panthers and the Broncos come into the Week 12 clash with only three wins each. It is not exactly the way they were hoping their season was going to go.
For the Panthers, they simply can't get settled at the quarterback position. P.J. Walker Jacob Eason and Mayfield have all tried their hand, but have had zero success.
Now it's Darnold's turn to try and salvage something from the season. Carolina only averages 18 points a game (ranks 25th in the league) while they give up 23 points per game on average (ranks 19th).
The Panthers could only manage three points against the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday and that proved to be the final straw as Darnold was handed his first start of the season.
I’ll give Baker Mayfield this: he’s not just standing around on the sideline as a backup.
He’s been engaged behind the bench — likely watching some all-22 video of the last offensive drive — and been in Sam Darnold’s ear helping him out.
#KeepPounding https://t.co/Kzv7fqhGSW
Whether or not the quarterback change will translate into a better offensive production is not yet known. However, the Panthers have had enough of what is currently being produced.
If Darnold can put his best foot forward, then perhaps the starting job will be his for the foreeseeable future. In a game where he really is playing for his NFL career, it will be interesting to see how he gets on. All Baker Mayfield can do is watch from the sidelines.