What exactly do the Carolina Panthers have at QB in 2021?
By Dean Jones
P.J. Walker – Carolina Panthers QB
Much like the situation with Sam Darnold, it’s hard to gauge just what the Carolina Panthers have in P.J. Walker. The former XFL MVP frontrunner certainly looked the part when he replaced an injured Teddy Bridgewater against the Detroit Lions, displaying the sort of gunslinging mentality that left plenty of reasons to be encouraged about his chances moving forward.
Things didn’t go according to plan when Walker came in for a dismal Bridgewater in Carolina’s fine game of the 2020 season against the New Orleans Saints. He threw three interceptions and looked flustered behind an offensive line that had lost all confidence in pass protection outside of stud right tackle Taylor Moton.
This wasn’t the way Walker wanted to end his first season with the Panthers. But the former Temple star looks set to occupy No. 2 on the depth chart once again and has to be ready if Darnold sufferers injury problems or simply fails to meet expectations at any stage.
With a more stable offseason program in the offing, there should be a good chance for Walker to get some additional reps under center during the preseason. This is going to be an invaluable experience and one that should serve the player well heading into the final year of his deal.
In an ideal world, Walker won’t see any action in 2021 due to Darnold turning on the style. But as we all know, things rarely go according to plan in the NFL.