The Carolina Panthers’ Week 9 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals was a tale of many disproportions—in competition, in output and even in snaps.
Nonetheless, let’s take away what we can from the final counts from Sunday.
Back with Baker
Baker Mayfield won’t be hopping back in the saddle for Week 10. Nonetheless, he gave a nice account of himself in his relief appearance of PJ Walker.
Mayfield chalked up 31 snaps over four drives—three of which resulted in touchdowns. He completed 14 of his 20 throws for 155 yards and two scores.
On the grand scheme of Mayfield’s season, he’s now up to a 61-percent share of offensive snaps this season. If he ends up at least 70 percent, the 2024 fifth-round pick the Panthers traded to the Browns for the former No. 1 overall selection becomes a fourth-rounder.
More Marshall
Marshall Jr. logged 45 snaps, which accounted for a 92-percent share on offense. He’s now been on the field for at 86 percent of the group’s presence for three straight weeks—resulting in a combined 171 receiving yards and his first regular-season touchdown.
With Robbie Anderson gone and Shi Smith unable to break through, Marshall Jr. is settling in to that No. 2 spot behind DJ Moore.
The durable Swiss Army knife
Harstfield, for the fourth time here in 2022, played every defensive snap. He recorded seven tackles over his 74 plays.
The 25-year-old defensive back has not only proven to be a versatile piece for Carolina—as both a corner and a safety—but has been a reliable presence in an otherwise banged up secondary.
