The third week of training camp got off to a bit of an awkward start for the Carolina Panthers. Alas, the team’s quarterback competition entered its next stage—as we got some more clarity on how the position is panning out.
Here’s more on that and the rest of the top takeaways from the tenth outing from Spartanburg.
Sam Darnold is not being "shopped"
A report just prior to the start of practice suggested the Panthers were shopping Darnold, which would’ve gave us a pretty solid answer on who the team wants to start under center.
But multiple succeeding reports, including one from the initial insider himself, have refuted the notion that the fifth-year passer is currently up for sale.
The Panthers are not shopping QB Sam Darnold, according to multiple league sources. Before camp began, Darnold said he has not asked for a trade because he is “not in a position to do that” and that is not who he is.
— Ellis L. Williams (@BookofEllis) August 8, 2022
Additionally, Darnold and head coach Matt Rhule told media following practice that general manager Scott Fitterer refuted the report to them personally as well.
Every QB could play in the preseason opener
The Panthers open exhibition action on Saturday, when they head to the nation’s capital to take on old friend Ron Rivera and his Washington Commanders. Rhule, along with telling reporters that he plans on carrying three passers onto the initial 53-man roster, said each of his quarterbacks could take snaps this weekend:
“I think we’ll probably play maybe three, maybe four. I mean, if we play Sam and Baker, we’re playing them both. So, ya know, we won’t play one or the other. We would play them both. Then I really want Matt and PJ to get in there. They’re not getting a ton of these reps. But late in the game, those guys deserve a chance to play.”
Ikem Ekwonu will get more reps at LT
Last week, Rhule said his 2022 first-round pick still has a “long way to go” to become a pro-level blocker—perhaps dangling the starting job on the blindside in front of him.
Today, Ekwonu kicked off drills as the first guy to man the left tackle spot, with Brady Christensen in at left guard. Rhule then said the team wants to get more aggressive in giving the rookie looks from the position:
“We’re gonna be more aggressive giving him some reps, and just continuing to move the lineups around a little bit,” he said. “I don’t think you can evaluate guys when you have Brian Burns out there going against one guy. Wanna make sure multiple guys get reps against Brian and Yetur [Gross-Matos] and all those guys. So, we’re just gonna continue to roll guys.”
Baker Mayfield is not focused on the state of the QB competition
When asked if he thinks he has a beat on the starting quarterback position, Mayfield said he’s not concerned with the outlook of the battle itself:
“I’m not looking at it like that. I’m just trying to improve—each day, with myself. And, ya know, make sure I fix any mistakes that I might’ve made from days prior and continue to get better for me.”
Notable observations
Panthers in full pads today for the 6th practice in a row. Keith Taylor still out with a hamstring injury.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 8, 2022
Panthers DE Marquis Haynes, who had a scary left knee injury on Saturday, arrives with a red jersey. He is day to day.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) August 8, 2022
Jaycee Horn back in shells, so likely just individual drills again. Still hasn’t worn full pads this camp, but at least he’s back in shells after spending last two practices in street clothes.
— Bill Voth (@PanthersBill) August 8, 2022
Terrace Marshall still in a red jersey.
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) August 8, 2022
CJ Henderson is back out here warming up after he rolled his ankle and did not participate in Saturday’s practice
— Augusta Stone (@augustalstone) August 8, 2022
30 minutes in, McAdoo still working w/ all 4 QB’s on a variety of agility/footwork drills. pic.twitter.com/bP6jxO28Sg
— John Ellis (@1PantherPlace) August 8, 2022
Baker Mayfield and Matt Corral warming up on Day 10 of Panthers camp pic.twitter.com/a80j3QQphW
— Ellis L. Williams (@BookofEllis) August 8, 2022
Your daily Baker Mayfield vs. Sam Darnold going through QB reps during Panthers training camp content.@wcnc | #Panthers | #KeepPounding | #NFL | #NFLTrainingCamp pic.twitter.com/xei9FR7BpD
— Ashley Stroehlein (@ashstro) August 8, 2022
#Panthers Shi Smith vs. Jeremy Chinn pic.twitter.com/ZwhrGllqHU
— Gabe McDonald (@GabeMcDonald_) August 8, 2022
Great catch by Robbie Anderson of a deep sideline pass by Baker Mayfield.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) August 8, 2022
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 8, 2022
Mayfield to Tremble on a deep 7 route. Ideal placement, 25+ y
— John Ellis (@1PantherPlace) August 8, 2022
Baker is spinning it today.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 8, 2022
Ekwonu LT1 with the ones to start today.
— John Ellis (@1PantherPlace) August 8, 2022
📝: Ickey working at LT with the 1’s again today. Christensen at LG. Elflein, Corbett and Moton round out the line working with 1s.
— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) August 8, 2022
Now Sam Darnold comes in with the 1s. As they’ve said they’ll continue to do for probably the next two weeks. https://t.co/xz43ypawb1
— Bill Voth (@PanthersBill) August 8, 2022
Big day for Shi Smith. Wide open for TD catch from Baker Mayfield.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) August 8, 2022
Baker hits Shi Smith on the sideline for 20+ yards, add on some YAC for a little razzle dazzle.
— Sheena Quick (@Sheena_Marie3) August 8, 2022
Baker Mayfield has his third pass batted down at the line today.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) August 8, 2022
Sam Darnold’s last drive with the 2’s includes: an illegal block, a procedure penalty, and a series-ending INT.
— John Ellis (@1PantherPlace) August 8, 2022
Uninspiring two-minute showing by the offense:
Baker Mayfield 0-4 (though one of those was an Anderson drop)
Sam Darnold 2-4, INTThere were two off. penalties and no first downs in three possessions.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 8, 2022
