Carolina Panthers: Early expectations for new quarterback P.J. Walker
The Carolina Panthers moved quickly to add to their quarterback situation by signing P.J. Walker to its roster. Here are some early expectations for the XFL star.
While fans of the Carolina Panthers continue grasping the reality that they’ve seen the last of quarterback Cam Newton, the front office continues to make moves to bolster the team. Sure, if you haven’t kept up with the XFL during its inaugural season, the name P.J. Walker won’t ring a bell but if you have been following, you’ll know exactly why he was signed by the Panthers.
Walker brings great playmaking ability to the position as he was easily a household name for those that loved everything he brought to the table for the Houston Roughnecks. Not only were they an undefeated team until their season was canceled, but Walker was an absolute force to reckon with.
He led the XFL in passing yards (1,338 yards) and was a touchdown machine with 15 through the air. Now that he’s officially a Panther, what should early expectations be for him as he prepares for his big transition to the NFL?
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Well, in the grand scheme of things, Walker will more than likely compete for a backup quarterback spot in training camp with Teddy Bridgewater coming to town.
The Panthers will likely stick with two quarterbacks as they get to their final roster once training camp is in the books with Bridgewater starting and either Walker or Will Grier as his backup. On all accounts, this quarterback competition will be fun to watch with Walker likely winning the battle and backing up Bridgewater.
This is where Walker will shine since he is a natural-born winner and considering he has a history with new head coach Matt Rhule from their time at Temple many moons ago, this should translate well on the Panthers. He was undefeated in the XFL on top of winning a whole lot of college football games back at Temple, a school in which he still owns a plethora of all-time passing records to this very day.
Expect Walker to come in and do whatever it takes to not only make the final roster of the Panthers but make his old coach proud. Walker’s work ethics, leadership, and ability to deliver clutch plays when his team needs it will only push those around him to be better.
Overall, even though Walker probably won’t beat out Bridgewater for the starting spot at quarterback in training camp, he will be a welcomed sight by many. As the Panthers transition into a younger, faster, and more physical team, adding players like Walker will only facilitate their goal of being competitive once again. He’s a solid passer, accurate, and most of all is ready to do whatever it takes to push this team towards better days ahead.