5 Panthers players winning their position battles after camp Week 2

Baker Mayfield – Carolina Panthers QB

There are few players in the NFL under more scrutiny than Baker Mayfield this summer. After being outcast by the Cleveland Browns in favor of Deshaun Watson, the former No. 1 overall selection faced an uncertain future before the Carolina Panthers finally struck a deal with a few short weeks to go until camp.

Mayfield used the first week to shake off some rust. But what we’ve seen from the quarterback over Week 2 has left many reasons to be encouraged about his chances of thriving with the biggest chip imaginable on his shoulder.

There is different confidence and aura whenever Mayfield is under center. The Panthers are giving Sam Darnold every chance throughout the ‘competition’, even as if it’s clear for all to see who the better player is right now.

Rhule is going to split reps for the remainder of training camp and beyond. So jeopardizing Mayfield’s chances of forming closer bonds with the scheme and his teammates might end up causing more damage in the long run.

Whether it’s keeping Darnold in the shop window or Rhule refusing to admit that the Panthers were wrong about the USC product is up for debate. What isn’t in question is Mayfield holds the clear QB1 title after a fortnight in Spartanburg.