Panthers Reportedly Make Decision on Week 1 Starter

Is the Baker Mayfield era in Carolina beginning?

The Carolina Panthers have reportedly picked their guy in the Baker Mayfield-Sam Darnold training camp battle for the team’s starting quarterback job. The Athletic’s Jeff Howe reported that former Browns Quarterback, Baker Mayfield, is expected to be named the Panthers’ Week 1 starter against the Cleveland Browns on September 11th.

“Baker Mayfield is expected to be named the Panthers starting QB for Week 1, per sources,” Howe tweeted. “He’s been competing with Sam Darnold but should be declared the starter when the team is ready to make the announcement.”

Baker Mayfield is expected to be named the Panthers starting QB for Week 1, per sources. He’s been competing with Sam Darnold but should be declared the starter when the team is ready to make the announcement. @TheAthletic

— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 18, 2022

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported last week that the starting job was Mayfield’s to lose. According to Garafolo, Mayfield has been making more big plays even as he is still getting familiar with the offense, and appears to have a higher ceiling than what Darnold has offered.

Baker Mayfield threw for 3,010 yards, 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 14 games last season, although he played injured most of the season.

The former No. 1 overall pick certainly has a serious chip on his shoulder entering this season, and now he has his revenge game right out of the gate.

You really couldn’t have scripted this any better. Can’t wait to see how Baker fares in a completely new environment.  If anyone needed a change of scenery, it’s Baker.

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