5 shining stars from the Carolina Panthers second preseason game
By Dean Jones
Will Grier – Carolina Panthers QB
Head coach Matt Rhule laid the gauntlet down to Will Grier this week, stating he wants to see once and for all exactly what the quarterback can do when it comes to the crunch. If his first outing at the Indianapolis Colts was less than stellar, he more than made up for it with an impressive showing against the Baltimore Ravens.
Grier came in for Sam Darnold in the first quarter and immediately hit his stride. Rhule was eager for the West Virginia product to get more opportunties throwing the footbal, something that really caught the eye with an accurate, efficient display from the 2019 third-round pick.
The signal-caller was taken out early in the third quarter after a big hit, finishing with 11 successful completions on 14 attempts for 144 yards through the air and a passer rating of 109.5.
Couple this with P.J. Walker’s struggles with the reserves and all hope might not be lost in Grier’s pursuit of becoming Darnold’s primary backup next season.
Even if the Panthers opt to go with Walker over Grier, the player has no doubt boosted his trade value if Carolina takes just two quarterbacks onto the roster.
Grier should get a limited chance to further enhance his credentials in the team’s preseason finale. Who comes out on top might just have the edge heading into some important final conclusions before Week 1.