The Carolina Panthers defeated the Washington Commanders 23-21 in their preseason opener. Here’s the good and bad from Saturday’s win:
The Good
- Hours before the game it was announced that Baker Mayfield would get the start. The former number one draft pick was able to put the Panthers in scoring position – completing 4 of 7 passes for 45 yards. Mayfield’s ability to extend plays and convert on third down led to Zane Gonzalez’s 41 yard field goal on the opening drive. Although Matt Rhule says the decision to start Baker was just for today, he performed well enough where he should get the nod going forward.
- South Carolina native Shi Smith had a good game. His two catches were on third downs – extending the opening drive. He also had a 41 yard kick return – finishing with 75 all purpose yards.
- The first team defense limited the Commanders to just 16 net yards in their two possessions and caused/recovered a fumble deep in Washington territory that led to a Sam Darnold touchdown to Rashard Higgins.
The Bad
- 2nd and 3rd string defense struggled. The Commanders controlled the line of scrimmage when they were in and Sam Howell looked like a seasoned vet, passing for 143 yards and rushing for two touchdowns.
- Although Matt Corral was able to put the Panthers in scoring position at the end of the game, he was just 1-11 from the field for 11 yards. Afterward he talked about the speed of the game and having better communication. Those are issues that should improve as he gets more time on the field. It will be interesting how Rhule manages that in future preseason games.
The Panthers will travel to Foxboro Monday for joint practices with the Patriots Tuesday and Wednesday.
