4 silver linings from the Panthers heartbreaking loss at Falcons in Week 8

P.J. Walker’s sensational 2nd half

P.J. Walker has gone from a complete afterthought to the Carolina Panthers’ best option at quarterback in 2022. A remarkable turn of events for someone that would likely have been released had it not been for injuries to Sam Darnold and Matt Corral before the campaign began.

Sunday’s game at the Atlanta Falcons started slowly from Walker’s perspective. He missed some wide-open throws and looked nervous in the pocket throughout the first half, but the turnaround was almost miraculous from the former Temple star immediately after.

Walker’s poise and urgency noticeably increased. The signal-caller made some big-time throws and almost got the Panthers to a memorable triumph thanks to his sensational deep effort to D.J. Moore with time expiring.

This was arguably the league’s best throw of the season. Something that drew widespread praise from analysts and even left Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in awe on social media.

Sadly for Walker, it wasn’t enough to get a second-straight victory. But his performance left no doubt that he should continue starting over the likes of Baker Mayfield and Darnold for the rest of the season unless something drastic occurs.

If nothing else, Walker has earned that right.