4 major observations from Baker Mayfield’s 11th Panthers practice

Carolina Panthers getting true command from Baker Mayfield

Picking things up in a short space of time is nothing new for Baker Mayfield. This is something he’s had to overcome both in college and through various offensive coordinators since entering the league, which has stood him in good stead upon joining the Carolina Panthers.

Mayfield looked in complete command throughout a grueling 2.5-hour session, which was the last featuring the first and second units before Fan Fest at Bank of America Stadium on Thursday. It was a memorable day for the offense overall, but the Oklahoma product is now far more comfortable within Ben McAdoo’s scheme and something he can build upon before going up against his former team in Week 1.

Aside from his blossoming connections with Rashard Higgins, D.J. Moore, and Robbie Anderson, Mayfield is also looking confident in pre-snap recognitions and getting off his first read in pursuit of moving the chains or finding the end zone.

Again, it’s a relatively small sample size – especially as Mayfield is still splitting reps with Sam Darnold – but the aura surrounding Carolina’s new acquisition is growing. Although the defense is coming up against a better player under center they’ve had since Matt Rhule joined the team, they’ll be better off for days like this.

There is now a prolonged series of outstanding practices from Mayfield. Something that can hopefully transition into the regular season during a crossroads campaign for the Panthers in 2022.