Carolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield. Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Rhule non-committal on Baker Mayfield's status as QB1

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 10/3/22

Suffice to say, the Baker Mayfield experiment in Carolina isn't going super well. And after just four games, some fans are calling for the former Heisman Trophy winner to be benched.

But will the Panthers actually sit Mayfield in Week 5? Head coach Matt Rhule was asked that very question.

"We have to get it corrected, but in terms of any one person I just don't think it's right to speak on it right now," Rhule told the media after Sunday's 26-16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

Matt Rhule is asked if he considered benching Baker Mayfield today. pic.twitter.com/UT92pJyUYE
— Sheena Quick (@Sheena_Marie3) October 2, 2022

While Rhule's answer isn't particularly enlightening, it's hard to imagine the thought hasn't crossed his mind. Through the first four games of the season, Mayfield has thrown four touchdowns and three interceptions while only completing 54 percent of his passes. In Week 4, he completed 22 of 36 attempts and threw one touchdown and two picks and had multiple passes batted away.

The Panthers may have plenty of problems they need to fix, but the issue at quarterback is clearly one of the worst ones.

BROTHER BAKER WHAT ARE YOU DOING pic.twitter.com/iwZagJUdoM
— Jordan Cicchelli (@jordancicchelli) October 2, 2022

Of course, benching Mayfield doesn't instantly solve Carolina's QB woes. Backup quarterback Sam Darnold is still a ways away from returning to the gridiron after suffering a high ankle sprain in the preseason, and de facto third stringer P.J. Walker hasn't played since last season.

With how much Mayfield is struggling so far this season, however, sitting him for a game may not be the worst idea Rhule has had as Panthers head coach.

More must-reads: