The Baker Mayfield experiment with the Panthers has not gone as planned through four weeks of the 2022 NFL season.
The Panthers sit at 1-3 and are tied for last place in the NFC South with the Saints. Carolina's defense has played well at times, but its offense has been below average, scoring just 19.5 points per game.
Mayfield has been a big part of the problem in that area, as he has struggled to get the ball to his receivers down the field with accuracy. Despite this, it doesn't seem like he is in danger of losing his starting job.
Panthers coach Matt Rhule told reporters on Monday following the Panthers' 26-16 loss to the Cardinals that he was sticking with Mayfield as his starter.
"I think Baker's our quarterback," Rhule said. "We have to continue to find ways to help him and then help the other guys."
Given Mayfield's slow start, many may be wondering why the Panthers are hesitant to move on from him. It boils down to one key reason.
MORE: Panthers crowd boos Baker Mayfield during poor outing vs. Cardinals
Why the Panthers are sticking with Baker Mayfield at QB
The Panthers are sticking with Mayfield because they don't really have much else at the position. Rhule acknowledged this when discussing why Carolina had traded for Mayfield in the first place.
"For us, it was about bringing another good player in and having great competition, you know, with four quarterbacks," he said. "Two of those guys have gotten hurt along the way."
Indeed, both Sam Darnold and rookie Matt Corral landed on IR before the season started. Corral is out for the year due to a Lisfranc injury while Darnold is eligible to return from a high-ankle sprain as early as Week 5.
However, Darnold is "not clear right now," per Rhule, and it may be a while before he can get back onto the field.
As such, that leaves Mayfield and P.J. Walker as the two quarterbacks on Carolina's roster. Rhule has a history with Walker, an XFL standout, dating back to their days at Temple, but it seems that the third-year coach would prefer to stick with Mayfield.
"Baker has always been a winner," Rhule said when asked to explain what gave him confidence in Mayfield. "He's a talented guy that's made plays and took the Browns to the playoffs."
Of course, Rhule also acknowledged that Mayfield needs to improve to give the Panthers a chance to win.
"Baker would be the first to say — I'm sure when you talk to the guy that you guys [hear] he wants to play better," Rhule said. "I think he also needs some guys on offense to make some plays for him."
Indeed, Mayfield could use an assist, but his start to the season still hasn't been strong.
MORE: Will the Panthers fire Matt Rhule in 2022?
Baker Mayfield stats
Through four games, Mayfield has been one of the NFL's least efficient quarterbacks. He has the third-worst passer rating in the NFL and has a higher completion percentage than just one qualified quarterback, Justin Fields.
Below is a breakdown of Mayfield's stats and where he ranks league-wide among qualified quarterbacks:
| Stat | Total | Rank |
| Comp. % | 54.7 | 30th |
| Passing yards | 747 | 27th |
| Pass TDs | 4 | T-20th |
| INTs | 3 | T-13th |
| Passer rating | 75 | 29th |
| QBR | 15.4 | 30th |
Certainly, none of those numbers are too inspiring. And if you extrapolate his totals out over a 17-game season, he would total 3,175 yards, 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions while posting a record of 4-13.
Needless to say, sticking with Mayfield doesn't seem like an appealing option for the Panthers. But turning to Walker — who has completed 55.7 percent of his career passes for 730 yards, two touchdowns and eight interceptions — doesn't seem too appealing either.