The Panthers are one of the few teams hosting a quarterback competition in training camp, with former 2018 draft picks Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold working hard to compete for the top spot. However, head coach Matt Rhule is in no rush to name a Week 1 starter.
Speaking to reporters after a scrimmage on Saturday, Rhule explained that he will not rush into any “big decisions” at any position. He shared that he doesn’t anticipate until the Panthers’ second preseason game against the Patriots on Aug. 19.
“I’m not going to put a timetable on the quarterback position until we get back from Patriots week,” Rhule said. “Patriots week is a real litmus test for us. We’re going against another team, we’re training… I think that will really show us where the guys are at.”
Rhule said he saw positives from Mayfield and Darnold in Saturday’s contest. While he mentioned he was disappointed that each quarterback had an interception, Carolina’s coach declined to elaborate further on the performance of either player, explaining that he and the staff need to “really dig deep into the tape and see if the offense is really dominating.” and who doesn’t”.
Mayfield and Darnold have split first-team rotations throughout training camp as both try to adjust to new Panthers offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo’s offense. They did it again on Saturday, doing the same repetitions with the first and second teams during two-hour practices.
According to ESPN’s David Newton, Mayfield finished practice 14-for-21 with one touchdown pass and one interception. Darnold went 20-28 with one touchdown and one interception.
Rhule will get his first chance to see his two quarterbacks on the field in a week when the Panthers play a preseason game against the Commanders on Saturday, Aug. 13.
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