Matt Rhule disputes common perception, past criticisms of Baker Mayfield

Matt Rhule is disputing some of the criticisms his new starting quarterback — former Oklahoma star and first overall selection of the Cleveland Browns, Baker Mayfield — has received throughout his career.

Immature. Brash. Tough to work with. Mayfield has been labeled both fairly and unfairly by players and media outlets alike, but Rhule hasn’t seen anything but a positive light in the star quarterback.

Per Bridget Condon of NFL Network, Rhule has been showering Mayfield with praise, as she highlighted on Twitter on Monday.

“I haven’t seen anything that said, ‘Hey I’m going to let my emotions get the best of me.’ He’s a true, true, true professional,” Rhule said, speaking about his starting quarterback.

Ahead of the season, Rhule made Mayfield his starting quarterback over last season’s big acquisiton, Sam Darnold. The former Oklahoma star wanted to be in Carolina for multiple reasons, and even took a pay-cut to do get there, so being named Rhule’s QB1 must’ve been the ultimate vindication for Mayfield.

Of course, there’s also the development that the Panthers coincidentally face the Browns in Week 1, who will be forced to start backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett as Mayfield’s replacement — former Houston Texans star Deshaun Watson — serves an 11-game suspension stemming from sexual assault allegations.

Regardless of his path to the franchise, its evident both Matt Rhule and Baker Mayfield are happy to be together in Carolina. Time will tell how fruitful their partnership becomes, but the vibes are magnificent with the Panthers.

More on Baker Mayfield, Carolina Panthers

As expected, Baker Mayfield is fired up to play the Cleveland Browns in Week 1. The former Oklahoma star is so fired up in fact, he shared some choice words with a reporter following the Panthers’ preseason win over the Buffalo Bills.

Bills sideline reporter Cynthia Frelund revealed on the Around the NFL podcast that Mayfield said he’s going to ‘f**k them up’ in Week 1 when the Browns visit Carolina.

“It was on the field after the game against the Bills, preseason game 3, I walked up and I was like, ‘I’m so excited to see you, kick some butt,’ I didn’t say that word but… ‘kick some butt, especially Week 1, I cannot wait,’ and he uses some expletives and he says, ‘I hope you’re ready, I’m gonna ‘bleep’ them up,’” Frelund said.

“I don’t say curse words on air,” Frelund said before confirming his use of the particular expletive.

Moreover, Mayfield has thrown shade at the Browns ever since securing his transfer this offseason. He told reporters on the first day of Panthers training camp that Matt Rhule is the best offensive mind he has ever played for, taking a subtle shot at his time in the NFL this far.

“It’s nice to finally be somewhere that wants to put me in the best position to succeed,” Mayfield said.

Following the latest escalation in the tension between the two parties, a lot of eyes will be on Carolina-Cleveland in Week 1. The kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on CBS.