Baker Mayfield bought the beginning nod for the Carolina Panthers of their first preseason sport on Saturday. In return for that distinction, he checked an necessary field in opposition to the Washington Commanders — wanting wholesome, assured and (for probably the most half) sharp in his lone drive of the day.

That drive finally stalled out on a bungled snap alternate, leaving the Panthers to kick a discipline purpose in what amounted to a modest debut for the No. 1 total decide within the 2018 draft. In that temporary look, Mayfield was 4-of-7 passing for 45 yards, additionally together with one drop that hit a wideout within the arms, although it will have been a troublesome catch.

Regardless of the case, it was a much-needed constructive begin for quarterback in competitors with Sam Darnold — two gamers who’re each attempting to get their careers again on observe within the last seasons of their rookie contracts. For his half, Darnold was in a position to make the most of a brief discipline following a Washington turnover, throwing a pleasant 8-yard landing to wideout Rashard Higgins off his again foot whereas dealing with strain. Darnold sat out the rest of the sport following his two drives.

For Mayfield, the strong begin was arguably his first constructive second since a detrimental divorce with the Cleveland Browns this offseason. His commerce to Carolina was triggered by the Browns dealing for embattled quarterback Deshaun Watson, leaving a vocal Mayfield twisting within the wind as he repeatedly and publicly requested to be dealt. The end result was his eventual low-risk acquisition by Carolina, together with some much-needed simplicity for the quarterback.

That was on show in delicate methods Saturday. Firstly, it was a short glimpse exhibiting the Panthers employees that Mayfield is a wholesome model of himself on the sphere — one thing Cleveland didn’t actually get to see in 2021. It was additionally the primary snapshot of Mayfield translating that well being into confidence, which didn’t look like an issue as he moved round to create a couple of performs whereas taking the aforementioned finish zone shot into tight protection.

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Whereas there’s not a lot else to learn into it, Saturday’s debut was undeniably a step ahead and removes the anxiousness of his first reside snap in a special uniform. Mayfield’s subsequent purpose might be to soak up Carolina’s offense whereas battling with Darnold, regardless of it showing that it might already be Mayfield’s job to lose.

Carolina’s subsequent preseason sport might be on the New England Patriots on Aug. 19. Each Mayfield and Darnold are anticipated to see extra play in that sport, with the chance of a starter being named following that week.