5 big questions facing the Carolina Panthers at quarterback in 2021
By Dean Jones
What are the big questions facing the Carolina Panthers at the all-important quarterback position heading into the 2021 season?
It’s no secret how important the quarterback position is for success in the NFL. The Carolina Panthers are now in their second year without Cam Newton following his release last spring, which has seen the organization go in a completely different direction once again after Teddy Bridgewater failed to meet his targets in 2020.
Sam Darnold was the man chosen by those in power this offseason. The Panthers gave three draft picks to the New York Jets in order to get their hands on the former first-round pick, who comes with feast or famine prospects that could have some substantial repercussions on Carolina’s attempts to progress next time around.
Outside of Darnold, P.J. Walker and Will Grier will fight it out for the backup job. It’s been interesting to see the three signal-callers in action during the early stages of training camp, with the competition set to get even greater from today (Tuesday) when the pads go on in Spartanburg.
What comes next over the next few weeks – which also includes three preseason games – will give us a better indication about what we can expect not only from Darnold but those set to fill his spot if he’s forced to miss time at any stage.
There is a cautious sense of optimism surrounding the team’s hopes in 2021. Here are five big questions surrounding the quarterback room heading into the new campaign.