4 major observations from Baker Mayfield’s ninth Panthers practice

Carolina Panthers could benefit from Baker Mayfield/Rashard Higgins connection

One particular highlight that caught the eye during Saturday’s scrimmage further enhanced the ongoing chemistry between Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Rashard Higgins. The pair worked closely together and developed a nice relationship on the Cleveland Browns before joining the Carolina Panthers, which has come across in no uncertain terms throughout the team’s training camp so far.

Mayfield connected on a beautiful deep ball to Higgins for a touchdown. Even if the celebrations drew the fury of head coach Matt Rhule, who made the offense run laps as a result.

Rhule’s reaction aside, this bodes well for the regular season providing Higgins does enough to earn a prominent position on the rotation. If Mayfield is the starter as anticipated, then it would be wise for offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo to include him in their plans.

There is a certain swagger to Higgins and Mayfield that’s hard not to love. Both play the game with infectious enthusiasm and as long as the production is there, the Panthers should let the duo be themselves in pursuit of putting up the numbers needed.

There has been a tendency for Rhule to get in his own way and return to college methods. The NFL is much different, but his intentions were right even if the overall outcome didn’t leave many believing that it was the right call to make in the circumstances.