Matt Rhule and the Carolina Panthers knew what they were looking for in a quarterback this summer. They had a “really good plan,” remember?
Well, that plan must’ve worked for them, because they’ve apparently found their man in Baker Mayfield.
The team’s third-year head coach provided some context, per Darin Gantt, on Monday’s big decision to name Mayfield their starter. Rhule, in coming to a choice, stated that Mayfield has grown relatively well in three particular areas of interest.
“When we started this process, we were looking at three things,” Rhule said. “Number one, mastery of the offense, number two, situational football excellence, and number three, moving the ball and getting guys involved. That’s been our focus all along.
“Baker has made a lot of improvement, a lot of growth in all three areas in a short amount of time.”
As for Sam Darnold, who lost out to his fellow 2018 draftee in Carolina’s quarterback competition, Rhule said he’ll be prepared if necessary.
“All along, we’ve felt like we need to have a really strong quarterback room, and have every quarterback ready to play,” he added. “The reality of this league is most teams will play multiple quarterbacks. Sam has worked incredibly hard, played really well for us during training camp, and will be ready to go if and when it’s needed.”
In addition to getting the nod in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns, Mayfield will also start the Panthers’ final preseason contest—when they’ll welcome in the Buffalo Bills to Bank of America Stadium on Aug. 26.
