That drive ultimately stalled on a fumble exchange, letting the Panthers kick a field goal in what amounted to a mediocre debut for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft. In that brief appearance, Mayfield was 4- 7-of-7 passing for 45 yards, including a drop that hit a layoff in the hands, though it would have been tough to catch. Whatever the case, it was a much-needed positive start for the quarterback in competing with Sam Darnold — two players who are both trying to get their careers back on track in the final seasons of their prime contracts. For his part, Darnold was able to take advantage of a short field after a Washington turnover, throwing a nice 8-yard touchdown to catch Rashard Higgins off his back foot while facing pressure. Darnold sat out the rest of the game after his two runs. “Obviously Sam [Darnold] got us into the end zone, Baker [Mayfield] got us down the field,” Rhule said after the game. “It looked like both guys played well.” Rhule also said both Darnold and Mayfield showed “command,” but said he would have to look at the tape to see more. For Mayfield, the solid start was arguably his first positive moment after a negative split with the Cleveland Browns this season. His trade to Carolina predated the Browns’ trade for embattled quarterback Deshaun Watson, leaving a vocal Mayfield twisting in the air as he repeatedly and publicly demanded they be given to him. The result was his eventual low-risk acquisition from Carolina, along with some much-needed simplicity at quarterback. This showed up in subtle ways on Saturday. First and foremost, it was a brief look that showed the Panthers staff that Mayfield is a healthy version of himself on the field — something Cleveland didn’t get to see in 2021. It was also the first snap of Mayfield translating that health. in confidence , which didn’t seem to be a problem as he moved around to make some plays while receiving close coverage in the aforementioned end zone. The story continues While there’s not much else to read, Saturday’s debut was definitely a step forward and takes the stress out of his first live snap in a different outfit. Mayfield’s next goal will be to absorb Carolina’s offense while battling Darnold, despite the fact that it already looks like it may be Mayfield’s job to lose. “Night and day different, that’s for sure,” Mayfield said after the game about his comfort level with Ben McAdoo’s offense now compared to the start of training camp. “I’m a lot more comfortable now. Coach McAdoo is going to give us the keys to turn things around on the field. His line is if he can’t trust us, he can’t trust himself. So I’m a lot more comfortable now, and I think that permeates our entire offense.” Carolina’s next preseason game will be at the New England Patriots on August 19. Both Mayfield and Darnold are expected to see more play in this game, with the possibility that a starter will be named after this week. Baker Mayfield started the Carolina Panthers’ first preseason game on Saturday. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
