Panthers' Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold still locked in dead heat for starting quarterback role

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Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold did not make it easier for Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule to make a decision as to who will be the starting quarterback during Week 1 of the regular season.

Mayfield started for the Panthers against the Washington Commanders and was 4-of-7 for 45 yards. Darnold was 2-for-3 with 16 yards and threw a touchdown pass in the 23-21 win on Saturday.

Rhule broke down Mayfield and Darnold’s performance on their drives.

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Carolina Panthers coach Matt Rhule directs practice at the NFL football team's Fan Fest in Charlotte, North Carolina, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

"I thought we moved the ball well down the field. He did a nice job of moving it with his feet, finding the checkdowns, and then we got down there tight in the red zone, we called a play-action, the receiver doesn't run the route, so he has to desert the play," Rhule said of Mayfield. "Fumbled the snap and ended up not scoring. So, still a lot to build on. But I did think he moved the ball, he controlled a nice long drive to start the game, so it looked somewhat clean until the very end."

On Darnold, Rhule said: "I think overall for the offense, we protected the football. I don't believe we turned it over today. We won the turnover battle. He took a big hit on the touchdown throw, made a great play with pads on his head, he stepped up and made it. After that, both guys, I have to really watch the tape to see exactly what they did. But I thought they were both in command and made the right checks, so I was pleased."

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