4 major observations from Baker Mayfield’s first practice as Panthers starter

Baker Mayfield keen to maximize Carolina Panthers’ opportunity

Winning the starting job was priority No. 1 for Baker Mayfield. But in all honesty, there was no way the Carolina Panthers were not going to give him a shot after a long pursuit to bring him on board this offseason.

Mayfield has now achieved his first objective. An instant chance to start again after the Cleveland Browns deemed the No. 1 overall selection in 2018 surplus to requirements following their successful and controversial quest to land Deshaun Watson.

This is an opportunity Mayfield is keen not to waste. And for the player, complacency is not an option with his own career prospects hanging in the balance.

"“A fresh start is great for everyone every once in a while, and I’m just going to take this opportunity and not take it for granted. As soon as we get complacent, it would be handling it the wrong way. That’s just not how I’m going to do it.”"

Mayfield might have been deemed childish and immature by some within the Browns. But he’s displayed all the right characteristics in Carolina from a focus and leadership standpoint.

Things won’t be perfect all the time. Monday’s practice was a prime example of that.

But if Mayfield can help this team, come through in the clutch, and inspire others to raise their respective contributions, then it would be a surprise if the Panthers didn’t make strides.