In 2018, the Browns chose quarterback Baker Mayfield first overall with high hopes that he would become a dynasty quarterback. Sam Darnold was picked third overall by the Jets in the hopes that he would become a franchise quarterback.
Mayfield and Darnold are vying to be the Panthers’ starting quarterback for the 2022 season. Since this is their first time hitting free agency following a season, both players are now on their fifth-year option contracts.
The two have taken distinct paths to this point. Mayfield led Cleveland to the playoffs in 2020 and looked like the answer at quarterback, but he was traded for Deshaun Watson in the offseason and injured the next year.
After being traded from the Jets at the end of the 2020 season, Darnold is now in his second year with the Panthers. In 2021, he had his worst season ever, with a QBR of 33.2 and a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 9:13. He was also benched in the middle of the season and replaced by Cam Newton.
Don’t hold your breath for a quick conclusion to the competition. Coach Matt Rhule of the Carolina Panthers announced during a scrimmage on August 6 that a decision won’t be made until after the team’s second preseason game, a battle against the New England Patriots.
According to Rhule, “The Patriots week is a true litmus test for us.” That will reveal the locations of the males.
What is the current state of the quarterback competition between the two first-round picks? You can read what Rhule thinks of Mayfield and Darnold below.
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What Has Matt Rhule Said About Baker Mayfield?
When Rhule first brought up Mayfield, he admitted that the newcomer had some ground to make up but that he was making progress.
At the beginning of training camp in late July, Rhule was quoted by ESPN as saying, “There’s no doubt he needs to get here and he has to understand the offense and he has to go from Level 1 knowing the offense to Level 4 mastery where you’re unconsciously confident.” This is an essential step in his development.
Later, Rhule would say that Mayfield has “a lot of juice and enthusiasm.” When asked about Mayfield, Rhule responded that he was satisfied with the development thus far.
He has completed the fourth installation “Quotes from Rhule in USA Today. “My understanding will grow over the following week as we encounter additional challenges. I am so proud of Baker and how much he has grasped from our work together. However, a great deal more effort is required to overcome that stage.
What Has Matt Rhule Said About Sam Darnold?
Darnold had the starting job locked up before Mayfield arrived in Charlotte. Darnold had Rhule’s support in June of 2021 despite continuing difficulties that year. According to NFL.com, Rhule added, “Sam’s become a lot better.” I think if we played today, Sam would be our starting quarterback because he is making such great strides in the scheme. Training camp is where Darnold, according to Rhule, will have to show his development.
He needs to get to training camp and be better with the pads on and with people trying to knock you down, Rhule said. Darnold has been commended by Rhule for how he has dealt with Mayfield’s competition.