5 big talking points from the Carolina Panthers dominant Week 10 win
By Luke Gray
Carolina Panthers QB PJ Walker performed admirably
Don’t underestimate how difficult a week this was for P.J. Walker.
After Sam Darnold was ruled out for 4-6 weeks with a shoulder fracture, it was expected that Walker would get an extended period as the starter with newly acquired Matt Barkley as the backup.
The Carolina Panthers quashed that notion by re-signing Cam Newton on Thursday. But Walker was given the start Sunday at the Arizona Cardinals and ended the game 22/29 for 167 yards with no touchdowns and one interception.
Walker can count himself unlucky with the pick. He was half a second away from probably hitting Terrace Marshall Jr. for a huge gain and the officials also missed a hit on the helmet shortly before throwing the football.
But on the whole, Walker marshaled the offense well, making some key throws on third down. He also led the Panthers on an impressive drive to end the second-quarter ending in a Zane Gonzalez field goal.
Of course, the expectation is moving forward that Newton will be the starter. However, Walker showed he’s more than an adequate backup at this level.
It’ll be interesting next week against Ron Rivera and the Washington Football Team whether or not we see more of this two-quarterback dynamic or if Newton is named the starter.