What were some major observations to take from Carolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield’s fifth practice in training camp and the first with pads on?
After a bedding-in period for the Carolina Panthers and Baker Mayfield over the first week of camp, Monday’s session saw increased intensity as the pads came on for the first time. This is normally the point where focus increases and players begin to impose themselves on the rest, which is exactly what’s expected of the quarterback following his high-profile trade from the Cleveland Browns.
There’s been good and bad where Mayfield is concerned over the opening few practices. Not entirely unexpected considering how late he joined the Panthers and the lack of throwing activity due to offseason surgery on his non-throwing shoulder.
Carolina is expecting big things from Mayfield in 2022. While Matt Corral remains an intriguing long-term option, head coach Matt Rhule needs to generate serious momentum after things haven’t gone according to plan over his first two years in the role and the trade represents a better option for the immediate future.
With that being said, here are four major observations from Mayfield’s first padded practice with the Panthers in training camp.
Major Observation No. 1
Carolina Panthers saw more swagger from Baker Mayfield
Perhaps it was donning the pads that changed something within Baker Mayfield on Monday. There was an extra swagger to his overall demeanor that didn’t go unnoticed and the quarterback also spoke about trash-talking Shaq Thompson and Donte Jackson during his media availability after the session.
"“You don’t target the weak ones, you go for the head.”"
This mentality is exactly why the Carolina Panthers brought Mayfield to the franchise. To provide them with a cutting edge that was seriously lacking with Sam Darnold under center.
It’ll be interesting to see how Mayfield evolves further in the coming weeks. But there was a noticeable shift at the start of Week 2.
Baker Mayfield is focused on the Carolina Panthers and nothing else
Almost inevitably, Baker Mayfield fielded a couple of questions about Deshaun Watson’s six-game suspension after practice came to a conclusion. Not entirely surprising when one considers this is the man replacing him on the Cleveland Browns after their controversial pursuit of the signal-caller was successful.
Watson has now settled most of his civil suits relating to sexual misconduct. And many believe the former Clemson standout is getting off extremely lightly given that he wasn’t even fined as part of the ruling.
However, that is far from Mayfield’s mind right now. Even though he probably feels aggrieved by the way he was treated by the organization and especially as he played from Week 2 onwards with a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder last time around.
When probed with a Watson question, Mayfield answered it professionally, stating that he was interested in getting better with the Carolina Panthers and not much else at the present time. This also consists of the potential for instant revenge against the Browns in Week 1 at Bank of America Stadium.
"“Honestly it’s none of my business. I don’t play against the other quarterbacks. It might be cliche to say, but it’s the truth. I’m game-planning against their defense. If I’m playing, I’m trying to help this team win, so I have to keep getting better.”"
Being bitter and throwing shade is not going to do Mayfield any favors. Although the No. 1 overall selection in 2018 will have an inner fire to prove the team that cast him aside wrong right out of the gate.
Baker Mayfield was exceptional throughout
One could make a strong case that Monday’s practice was the best from Baker Mayfield since joining the Carolina Panthers. The quarterback was going up against the second-string unit working with the 2s throughout, but his poise and decision-making were nothing short of outstanding almost from start to finish.
This was reflected during red-zone and 11-on-11 drills, with Mayfield connecting with the likes of Shi Smith, Rashard Higgins, and Stephen Sullivan on notable plays. His efficiency in getting into the end-zone was another impressive element of the practice, which is the clearest sign yet that the signal-caller is starting to pick up Ben McAdoo’s scheme.
Mayfield said to reporters after practice that it remains a work in progress after arriving in Carolina pretty late in the offseason. Even if things aren’t quite where the player would like them to be just yet.
"“For me, it’s obviously not second nature yet, but I’m trying to make those steps toward you learn the reads well enough to where it’s a reaction to get through the progressions and knowing where to go. Last week was definitely slower than I would like it to be, but that’s to be expected. Looking to make some steps this week with repeated calls and get better.”"
If this is the sign of things to come, then the Panthers will be better for it. Much will depend on how Mayfield performs against the first-string defense in the coming days, but there is now a solid platform from which to build.
Baker Mayfield begins to separate himself as Carolina Panthers QB1
It might have taken a week, but this was the first time Baker Mayfield began to separate himself in the race for Carolina Panthers QB1 in 2022. Sam Darnold struggled to get anything going and Matt Corral’s reps were limited, so his outstanding performance came at just the right time.
Of course, one could make an argument that it was only against second-stringers, even though Mayfield didn’t have the benefit of the more elite weapons at Carolina’s disposal. His knowledge of the offense looked much better and there were some chemistry improvements during a productive session from the quarterback overall.
Mayfield knows more is needed. And it’ll be a challenge if he gets reps against Carolina’s first-team defense on Tuesday given that stud cornerback Jaycee Horn is officially off the active-physically unable to perform list and looking to compete.
If Mayfield can perform to a similar standard on Tuesday and possibly beyond, then the Panthers would be wise to end this so-called quarterback competition ahead of time. This would also enable them to bed Corral in as their No. 2 and look for a way to remove Darnold completely from the equation.
Couple this with Mayfield looking more comfortable in his new surroundings, and it’s hard to envisage a scenario where the signal-caller doesn’t impose himself further in upcoming practices. There’s a real conviction to his throws and far more intent than seen previously, which is refreshing before such a crucial season.