4 Panthers who could struggle to make the roster after preseason Week 1
By Dean Jones
P.J. Walker – Carolina Panthers QB
Before we start, P.J. Walker had a good game after the Carolina Panthers tasked him with the majority of work under center. While there remains some fierce debate about the point when rookie Matt Corral is sitting below him on the depth chart, it was a big confidence boost for the former XFL MVP candidate after an indifferent 2021 campaign.
Walker looked the part on occasions, demonstrating his strong arm and making sound decisions. There were times when the production was suspect, which is in keeping with what we’ve seen from the Temple product since joining the Panthers.
The signal-caller finished the day with 10 completions from 19 attempts for 136 passing yards and no touchdowns. Walker attained a 7.6 yards-per-completion average, was sacked twice, and acquired a 75.8 passer rating as a result of his efforts.
Whether Walker’s presence under center was to put him in the shop window is anyone’s guess. Baker Mayfield looks set to start, Corral will obviously make it, and Sam Darnold could also stick around thanks in no small part to the $18.85 million coming his way in 2022.
Walker didn’t perform badly by any stretch. But he needed an elite-level performance considering the other options at Carolina’s disposal.
This didn’t arrive. But his future could depend on Darnold’s status when it’s all said and done.