NFL

What did Panthers’ Baker Mayfield say about his benching?

While he’s had his struggles both in play and with injuries,one has to respect his mentality in the face of a challenge.

Eakin HowardAFP

If there is one thing that the embattled signal caller has made clear, it’s that regardless of losing his starting spot, he has no intentions of leaving the Carolina Panthers.

Carolina Panthers’ Baker Mayfield plans to stick around

“I want to be here.” Those were the words spoken by Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield on Thursday, when he was asked about the possibility of issuing a trade request. Mayfield has struggled since joining the Panthers and now, it’s resulted in him being benched. With that said, it appears Mayfield has taken it in stride and intends to work rather than seek out another team. To be fair, the question was always going to be asked after backup quarterback P.J. Walker spearheaded a massive win over a Tom Brady led Bucs side. Tampa Bay went down 21-3 and it seems that Mayfield’s starting chances went with them. With the win, Walker has now drawn level with Mayfield on two wins. Ultimately, the former Browns QB is resolute.

“My role right now is to help us win any way I can. That’s practicing, helping out in the QB room, doing scout-team stuff,” Mayfield said. “I’m enjoying what I’m doing right now. Like I said, obviously I’d like to be out there, but P.J. played his ass off and deserves to be out there again. … So I’m doing whatever I can to help this team win.” Of course, as much as he maintained his dedication to the team, the signal caller did admit that the situation is not his preferred choice. “We all want to play,” the 27-year-old admitted. “That’s the nature of this business, that’s the nature of playing sports.”

Where are the Panthers and Baker Mayfield right now?

With defensive pass game coordinator/secondary coach, Steve Wilks now serving as interim caoch - Matt Rhule was fired in Week 5 - he is of course the man in charge of quarterback decisions. Wilks disclosed that Mayfield, who missed two games due to an ankle injury, was no longer on the injury report. To that extent, Mayfield would be expected to be ready as the backup against the Falcons.

To date, Mayfield has completed 84 of his 153 passes for 962 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions. The former Browns QB also has 40 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. Where Walker is concerned, the new starting QB has made 31 of his 44 passes for 297 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in the three games that he’s played, including two starts. As mentioned above, the Panthers who are now 2-5 will face the Falcons (3-5) on Sunday.

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