What next for Panthers QB Will Grier after latest snub vs. Lions?
By Dean Jones
Was starting P.J. Walker the right call?
All eyes were on P.J. Walker during his first NFL start and he got off to a sensational opening to his time under center. The quarterback led a 95-yard drive for the game’s opening score that saw his deep throwing used to full effect on a bomb to D.J. Moore that really sparked some life at Bank of America Stadium.
The moment was not too big for Walker, who made some tremendous throws and played a leading contribution during a dominant 20-0 win for the Carolina Panthers. This might not be enough to challenge Teddy Bridgewater sufficiently for the No. 1 role, but it will cement his status as the primary backup at Will Grier’s expense.
Walker eventually finished the game with a 70.5 completion percentage, 258 passing yards, and one touchdown. But there were some bad moments, for sure.
His two interceptions in the end zone left a lot to be desired and he did miss some wide-open looks that could have moved the chains at crucial moments.
However, it’s worth remembering this was his first-ever NFL start.
The former XFL sensation was better than most expected when the Panthers gave him the green light to take Bridgewater’s place – which is probably the worst news of all for Grier.