4 major observations from Baker Mayfield’s eighth Panthers practice

Baker Mayfield isn’t afraid to thread the needle

While Sam Darnold caught the eye with efficiency and a few more downfield shots than usual, the major highlights once again belonged to Baker Mayfield. Some of his throws were off target as timing continues to develop with his receivers, but the quarterback is not afraid to thread the needle in pursuit of moving the chains.

This drew gasps from the crowd in attendance at Wofford College on two occasions. A fiercely driven throw to tight end Colin Thompson was exceptional and had Tommy Tremble and Shi Smith not dropped passes for long gains, there would have been even more for the signal-caller to shout about.

This was a practice with less tempo according to those in attendance. Something that has seemed to go against Mayfield more often than not when things aren’t structured to a more gameday setting, per Ellis Williams of the Charlotte Observer.

"“Coming off three of his best practices, Mayfield had a steady day throwing to a mix of first- and second-team targets. The team did not practice with much tempo. There were no two-minute drills or no-huddle situations. So far during camp, Mayfield has played noticeably better when the reps reflect game situations.”"

Mayfield is a high-intensity guy that thrives when the pressure is highest. The Panthers will scrimmage early on Saturday morning before the spotlight turns to Sam Mills’ induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, so it’ll be interesting to see how the Oklahoma product performs in this sort of environment.