Baker Mayfield taking off as Deshaun Watson situation takes a negative turn

While things look bleak for the Cleveland Browns and Deshaun Watson, Baker Mayfield is starting to find his footing with the Carolina Panthers

When the Carolina Panthers made a trade with the Cleveland Browns for Baker Mayfield, it felt like just a matter of time before the former No. 1 overall pick would be named the starter.

Head coach Matt Rhule said it was an open competition between Mayfield and former No. 3 overall pick Sam Darnold — and at first, Darnold was outperforming Mayfield. This was no shock since he had a year in Carolina’s system, but over the past few days, the newest Panther quarterback has started to separate himself from Darnold.

Wednesday was another great day for No. 6 who had several highlight reel throws. This is becoming the norm for him as he and Robbie Anderson have really started to connect, as seen on a deep touchdown they had on Tuesday.

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Baker Mayfield rising as Deshaun Watson reels

It has to be frustrating for fans who were adamant that Cleveland should stick with Mayfield to watch him begin to excel on the same week Watson was handed a six-game suspension. Making matters worse is the fact that the league has now appealed the suspension and Watson’s season is officially in serious jeopardy.

As for Mayfield, who was famously referred to as the quarterback that wasn’t an adult, he had a very mature response recently when asked about the situation his former team is facing.

Not long after Watson’s suspension was announced, Mayfield responded to questions about his replacement and said he wasn’t paid to make decisions about suspensions — just to play quarterback for his team. He also deflected questions about which quarterback he was facing in Week 1, saying if he should start, he would be worried about the defense.

Mayfield showed during his time with Cleveland that he had the talent to succeed. Now, he appears to be working on the way he approaches the game and speaks with the media, which could only help him as he continues his career.