3 reasons the Carolina Panthers can beat the Patriots in Week 9
By Luke Tucker
Carolina Panthers QB P.J. Walker adds extra athleticism
The biggest question mark heading into Sunday’s game is the status of starting quarterback Sam Darnold, who was blasted by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Royesade Oluokun on a quarterback keeper last weekend that resulted in a concussion and injured right shoulder.
Backup P.J. Walker stepped in to finish the game, and if Darnold can’t go against the New England Patriots would make his second career start.
It’s possible that Darnold suits up against New England, but was a limited participant all week in practice. Even if he is active, it could end up being in a backup role.
So, the most likely scenario would seem to be that Walker will get the start on Sunday, his first since Week 11 of last year. In his lone NFL start, the former Temple star and XFL MVP candidate completed 24 of 34 passes for 258 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions which, if you remember, both came in the end zone.
The numbers are far from overwhelming – especially if you factor in his stats in relief – but he won last year and has a chance to this year as well.
After losing to the Minnesota Vikings the last time the Panthers were at home, Matt Rhule said that he wanted to establish the run. He ignored his own suggestion the following week against the New York Giants but got back to it last weekend in Atlanta when Carolina had their most rushing attempts in a single game since 2009.
Darnold had eight carries, Chuba Hubbard had 24, Royce Freeman and Ameer Abdullah each got a handful apiece.
I’m not saying that Walker is a better quarterback than Darnold, he’s far from it actually. But for one game, a spot start could give the offense a spark.
Darnold has shown he can be more mobile in 2021 but still doesn’t have near the athleticism as Walker. In the preseason he used his feet to extend plays and open some throwing lanes, including this incredible touchdown to Tommy Tremble.
If the Panthers want to stick with the run though, and especially if Christian McCaffrey is active, then one start for Walker could actually work out. Certainly, Carolina doesn’t want Darnold out for an extended period of time, but if Joe Brady keeps his backup in favorable situations and takes some of the passing pressure off of him, then the Panthers might just be alright.
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At the very least it could give opponents a different look.