4 major observations from Panthers QB Matt Corral’s NFL debut

Carolina Panthers need to give Matt Corral more reps

Even though things looked bleak and it was difficult for Matt Corral, the quarterback got enough yards to put Zane Gonzalez in a position to win the game. Something the exceptional kicker took full advantage of.

It wasn’t pretty. And things are still moving very fast for Corral despite his previous experience in the SEC.

But he got the job done with a less than stellar supporting cast.

In truth, the Carolina Panthers should have given Corral a half. Something we saw with rookie quarterbacks such as Malik Willis, Kenny Pickett, and Sam Howell, who put up a good display on his Washington Commanders debut to get them back into the contest.

Head coach Matt Rhule stated after the win that it’s probably a reps issue where Corral is concerned. Even if this is a situation the former Baylor man’s brought on himself by making the rookie a bystander while Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold battle it out.

"“The more reps they get, the better they’re going to play. Everybody knows the situation they’re in. Part of this league is, whatever you’re given, you have to go produce when it comes.”"

Darnold and P.J. Walker are not part of the team’s long-term future. Mayfield might not be either, but the Heisman Trophy winner clearly gives the Panthers a better chance of making strides in Year 3 of Rhule’s tenure.

Just give Corral more reps. That’s the only way he’s going to get better.