Maybe the Carolina Panthers have an adult at quarterback.
In just a few hours’ time, Baker Mayfield will take the field at Bank of America Stadium to face off against his old team—the Cleveland Browns. And given the way his relationship with the organization deteriorated, as well as the perpetual chip on Mayfield’s shoulder, this season opener is expected to be a spicy one.
The lead-up to this clash, however, has been anything but. Besides an erroneous misquote, one that took on a little life of its own, it’s been pretty peaceful on Mayfield’s side.
That’s because, as detailed in a Sunday morning report from CBS Sports lead NFL insider Jonathan Jones, the former No. 1 overall pick has made it a point not to get caught up in the hype.
“That said, as Mayfield says all the right things publicly (at least when he’s being quoted on the record), the Panthers are seeing a focused and resolute Mayfield behind the scenes as he prepares to face his old team, the Cleveland Browns, Sunday at 1 p.m,” Jones wrote.
“‘I know this isn’t a game I’m going to go out and win on my own,’ one team source quoted Mayfield as having said this week.
“Panthers sources tell me Mayfield has made a concerted effort in recent weeks to not get too high or emotional heading into the Browns game. He’s gotten assurances, I’m told, from his teammates that they will carry their load and have his back so that he doesn’t have to do too much in Week 1.”
Expect those assurances, as Jones also notes, to see the Panthers take a “conservative passing plan” in Week 1. So perhaps we’re in for a heavy dose of dinkage and dunkage for running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver DJ Moore.
Well, whatever we’re in for, no one knows what awaits in the media room after the game—especially if Mayfield leads Carolina to victory. Jones writes:
“‘After the game, who knows what he’s gonna say,” one Panthers source said. “But he’s worked hard to keep it in check to this point.'”
