4 pivotal Carolina Panthers storylines to watch at Falcons in Week 8
By Dean Jones
Can P.J. Walker cement his status as Carolina Panthers QB1?
Not many expected the performance P.J. Walker contributed against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There appeared to be a real confidence issue from the coaching staff regarding their quarterback in Week 6, but last weekend was a completely different story en route to a convincing win versus the 2020 Super Bowl champions.
Walker was nothing short of sensational, securing the league’s highest grade from Pro Football Focus in Week 7 and earning the starting job for the Carolina Panthers’ crunch clash with the Atlanta Falcons.
Steve Wilks stated it’s his job to lose with Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold coming back. But it remains to be seen whether the one-time XFL MVP candidate can find the consistency needed to become the team’s option for the rest of 2022.
Considering Walker’s outlook once upon a time this summer when the Panthers traded for Mayfield and drafted Matt Corral, this is an astonishing turn of events. Something the signal-caller is keen to take full advantage of to prolong his career in Carolina or elsewhere beyond the current campaign.
"“I never thought that I was not as good as I thought I was. So for me, you always have to have that confidence and have that swagger to you, to go out there and be able to make those plays. It’s nothing new for me, so that’s all that matters.”"
The Panthers will be hoping this swagger doesn’t evaporate in Atlanta. Otherwise, it’s going to be a long afternoon.