Matt Rhule discusses performances of Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield in preseason opener

The start of the NFL regular season continues to rapidly approach, and now the preseason is fully underway. That is an important step for the Carolina Panthers, who are still trying to sort out a close quarterback competition between Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold.

On Saturday, Mayfield and Darnold were able to prove that they are worthy of earning the starting job in live action. The Panthers played in their preseason opener against the Washington Commanders, coming away with a narrow 23-21 victory.

Following the game, Panthers head coach Matt Rhule broke down what he saw from Mayfield and Darnold, saying that both were effective.

“I have to really watch the tape to see exactly what they did, but I thought they were both in command. They made the right checks, so I was pleased,” Rhule said.

Mayfield got the start on Saturday, though Darnold played early on as well. Mayfield led the Panthers on a 13-play, 54-yard drive that spanned across nearly six minutes and resulted in a field goal on the team’s first offensive possession.

After the Commanders fumbled late in the first quarter, Darnold saw his first action deep into Washington territory. He threw two passes with the short field, the last of which was caught for an eight-yard touchdown. Darnold also led the offense in the next drive, which resulted in a three and out.

Rhule on the plan moving forward with Darnold, Mayfield

Ultimately, Mayfield completed four of his seven pass attempts for 45 yards. He also added two rushes for three yards. Darnold completed two of his three pass attempts for 16 yards and a touchdown. Neither signal caller threw an interception.

While Mayfield got the nod in the Panthers first preseason game, that doesn’t necessarily mean much moving forward. Rhule admitted that the decision was simply for today, and he went on to compliment both quarterbacks for what they showed.

“No, that was for today, that was just for today,” Rhule added. “So we’ll go back and look at this tape. Obviously, Sam got us in the end zone. Baker led us down the field. Looked like both guys played well in terms of production. We’ll go back and look and see where they are. That was just for today.”

The Panthers hit the road for another preseason road trip on Friday, August 19 when they head to New England to take on the Patriots. They then host the Buffalo Bills on Friday, August 26 to wrap up the preseason.