QB battle rolls on as Panthers push back against Pats aggression

Reportedly Carolina Panthers' quarterback Baker Mayfield is expected to be named the starter when he faces his former team the Cleveland Browns in NFL Week One. Both Mayfield and Sam Darnold have competed hard under the watchful eyes of new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo and Head Coach Matt Rhule throughout training camp.

While the energy surrounding the quarterback competition appears to be tilting in favor of Mayfield, the forces controlling the joint practices have other ideas. For two consecutive days the joint practice sessions between the Panthers and Patriots were interrupted by fights and Coach Rhule expressed his disappointment. "My thoughts are with the woman who was hurt," Rhule said.

"Things happen in football, there were some good clean hits but we don't stand over somebody and taunt him."

The Panthers and Patriots faceoff in Carolina's second preseason game this year on Friday Night. Kickoff will be 7pm at Gillette Stadium.