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Why the Panthers are going with Mayfield at QB (1:37)

Baker Mayfield was named the Week 1 starting quarterback by the Carolinas. 1:45.

7:20 PM ET

Baker is considered short by the league for his position. The measurement at the NFL combine was 6 feet and 1/2ths of an inch.

When he was asked what he could do to avoid having four passes knocked down at the line of scrimmage, he made a lot of jokes.

"Well, an inverted table, stretch out, get taller, thanks mom and dad,'' he said.

This is an issue.

In his last two starts, he has had nine passes knocked down. He sat out the season finale after being swatted away by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Since Cleveland made him the top pick in the draft, he's thrown 48 passes at the line of scrimmage. Ryan is from Indianapolis.

Ryan is taller than the average quarterback in the league at 6'3".

There is only one quarterback with a higher percentage over that time period.

The 1.04 average is the fifth highest since the beginning of the year behind Minnesota's Kirk Cousins, Ryan and Kyler Murray.

Finding windows is what it comes down to. I know how those guys are getting ready in that building in Cleveland.

Maybe being on the same page with our O-line is what it is. I'm going to have to find a lane, so I'm going to have to get their heads down.

That was what Matt Rhule wanted to happen before the game.

He said that the line had to make sure the pocket was a firm one. This is a big challenge this week. Baker needs to find windows when they are open.

We became more comfortable during the game. They did it on a nakedbootleg. The relationship between Baker and the offensive line is going well and we feel good about that. We just need to get better.

They will have to since Mayfield isn't going to get taller.