4 major observations from Baker Mayfield’s first Panthers practice

Baker Mayfield still working on chemistry with Carolina Panthers

This was the first proper session Baker Mayfield participated in since joining the Carolina Panthers. Outside of a pre-camp get-together and previous chemistry with Rashard Higgins from their time together on the Cleveland Browns, it’s a new set-up and different teammates.

Chemistry was always going to be a slow burn throughout training camp. Mayfield was aggressive during his first practice, but there were reportedly some timing issues on deep routes that even resulted in the signal-caller being intercepted by Keith Taylor on one such attempt in Keith Kirkwood’s direction.

There’s a growing trend of over-scrutinizing training camp plays on social media. Especially when one considers how much spotlight Mayfield has received throughout his career.

The player himself stated he expects accuracy to get better. And no doubt it will once the Oklahoma product becomes more comfortable within Ben McAdoo’s system and his teammates.

This is the time of year for overreactions, for good or bad.

Sam Darnold had a nice day – albeit with fewer risks taken downfield thanks to Christian McCaffrey’s return – but this is to be expected considering he’s been around last season and worked with McAdoo during early workouts.

It’s something to keep an eye on. But expecting miracles from Mayfield initially was unrealistic.