5 things to monitor closely during Panthers vs. the Patriots in Week 9

P.J. Walker’s big audition for the Carolina Panthers

With Sam Darnold missing from the game, the time has come for P.J. Walker to show exactly what he can do with more preparation time. The backup quarterback won his only previous opportunity such as this last season against the Detroit Lions, but questions remain about whether he can carve any sort of NFL future for himself beyond 2021.

Walker has been in Joe Brady’s system for a good while now and is well familiar with Matt Rhule’s expectations from their time together at Temple. He has a lot of impressive physical attributes working in his favor, but decision-making is called into question constantly and almost cost the Carolina Panthers late in the game at the Atlanta Falcons.

Adopting a run-first mentality paid dividends in Week 8. Considering how mobile Walker is, it’s another potential tool for Brady to utilize with run-pass options and giving the signal-caller the freedom to make plays with his legs should the opportunity arise.

Also Read: Is P.J. Walker a viable alternative if Sam Darnold can’t go?

Bill Belichick will be all-too-aware of Walker’s threat. His meticulous preparation is legendary and both Matt Rhule and the signal-caller need to have a contingency plan in place if things don’t start in a positive fashion.

If Darnold is ready to go next week, this might be Walker’s final chance to prove he is worthy of another contract next spring. How he performs will go a long way to determining his fate.