Baker Mayfield discusses first meeting with Browns

Baker Mayfield was officially announced as the starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers on Monday and spoke on facing the Cleveland Browns in Week 1

It’s no secret that Baker Mayfield is an emotional guy. That’s why it would be crazy to think he wouldn’t be a little excited to face the Cleveland Browns in Week 1.

Mayfield was officially named the starter for the Carolina Panthers on Monday and shortly afterward, he was asked about facing his old team on Sept. 11.

He was honest that it means something to him to get the chance to go against Cleveland, but then quickly turned the conversation to how he can get better.

"“Like I told you guys at Wofford. I’m not gonna sit here and be a robot and say that it doesn’t mean anything. It will. But right now all that matters is me continuing to improve until this regular season starts.” — Mayfield via Josh Alper, Pro Football Talk"

Baker Mayfield shows maturity with his answer

Mayfield was taken first overall by the Browns back in the 2018 NFL Draft — and oddly enough, he had to beat out Sam Darnold for that spot. He now beat Darnold out for the starting gig in Carolina, but the two seem to have nothing but respect for one another.

As for his time in Cleveland, it was a roller-coaster for Mayfield. He led the team to their first win in 635 days and helped them win a road playoff game but was often criticized for getting into spats with media members and it was rumored that a lack of maturity was an issue in the split. By now, most have heard the infamous “adult in the room” comment.

Perhaps Mayfield took these comments to heart because since he’s been in Carolina, he’s been showing plenty of maturity. Not only were he and Darnold gracious with one another, but Mayfield refuses to speak poorly of his former team — even when unflattering reports surface.

Monday was another opportunity for him to claim he “had something to prove,” but he didn’t do that. Instead, he admitted he’s human and that it’s on his mind but also kept focused on the task at hand.

It should be an interesting day when the Browns head to Charlotte, even if there’s no bulletin-board material ahead of the matchup.