NFL: Panthers waiting to decide if Mayfield or Darnold will be the starting quarterback

Carolina Panthers fans are no closer to gaining clarity as to who their starting quarterback will be at the opening of the 2022 NFL season. 

After surging to a 3-0 start last campaign, Carolina crumbled, finishing with a paltry 5-12 record. 

Head coach Matt Rhule and company are looking to address their quarterback woes and will appoint either the man who they hope to be their savior, in Baker Mayfield, or (semi) forgotten son, Sam Darnold.  

Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold will continue their quarterback battle for at least two weeks

Though eager observers will have to wait until at least the late hours of August 19 – and potentially even longer – to find out who will take the QB1 spot.

Speaking to reporters after Saturday’s scrimmage, Rhule elucidated no decision would be made until both signal-callers had partaken in scrimmages, and the game, against New England. At a minimum. 

There may be a world, if neither quarterback has asserted adequate superiority, in which the decision is delayed significantly beyond the bright lights in Massachusetts.

‘I’m not putting a timetable on the quarterback position until after we get back from the Patriots week.

‘The Patriots week is a true litmus test for us. That will really show us where guys are.’ 

Carolina’s defense performed more than admirably most weeks — ranking second for yards allowed in 2021 — but its offense suffered largely in part to poor quarterback play, a weak offensive line and the absence of Christian McCaffrey. 

Through the draft, trade and rehabilitation of their star running back in Carolina will be hoping it can shake up the NFC South and compete with the reigning division champions; Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Darnold and Mayfield both threw an interception during Saturday’s scrimmage in Spartanburg