The Carolina Panthers gave Baker Mayfield their first crack on offense this preseason, starting the newcomer against the Washington Commanders on Saturday afternoon. And he wouldn’t disappoint.
Mayfield, who completed four of his seven attempts for 45 yards, led a strong scoring drive on Carolina’s opening possession. The 13-play, 57-yard trek—which lasted just under six minutes—set the Panthers up for a 41-yard field goal from Zane Gonzalez.
But Sam Darnold, who had next, didn’t disappoint either.
Refusing to fade away in this battle, Darnold took full advantage of a short field thanks to safety Jeremy Chinn and rookie defensive end Amaré Barno.
Chinn with the knockout
Barno with the recovery 💪 pic.twitter.com/J17Z3dFGth
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 13, 2022
From the Commanders’ 19-yard line, the fifth-year passer would hit wideout Brandon Zylstra for an 8-yard completion to start the touch. Two plays later, he’d find Rashard Higgins on another 8-yard completion—with this one settling into the back of the end zone for a touchdown.
A preseason red carpet rollout 😎 pic.twitter.com/4km3e7LmvA
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 13, 2022
Darnold then came out for the next series early in the second quarter—where the Panthers were forced to a three-and-out.
