4 burning questions Panthers fans are asking ahead of Week 10 vs. Falcons
Carolina Panthers QB complications
Do you think we should continue with P.J. Walker and let him continue to develop or move forward with Baker Mayfield although we lose draft capital by allowing him to reach 70% of the snaps? – Bro Cam
Thank you for your question.
Once more this season, the Carolina Panthers must address their quarterback situation. And on a short week, no less.
P.J. Walker had been playing some of the most consistent football that fans have seen since, at least, Teddy Bridgewater. That all came crashing down on Sunday when he only completed three of his 10 passing attempts for nine yards and two interceptions.
Steve Wilks benched Walker for the second half in favor of Baker Mayfield, who went 14-for-20 passing attempts en route to 155 yards and two touchdowns. It was arguably the former Oklahoma star’s best football since his time up in northern Ohio.
So, what should Wilks and the Panthers do with their two quarterbacks?
In my opinion, you always go with the hot hand. I believe Mayfield should start Thursday night against the Atlanta Falcons.
However, that question was answered on Monday when NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero broke the news that the former XFL star will be the starting QB against the Atlanta Falcons.
I talked in last week’s mailbag that I would like to wait and see how Walker does over a stretch of games as the starter. He played poorly Sunday, and that type of performance will not cut it this season. The Panthers need consistency in some form or fashion under center.
Will Walker be able to rebound Thursday? At this point, it’s better to wait and see how things play out this week.
The quarterback situation in Carolina will be on a week-to-week evaluation going forward. There’s no guarantee Walker plays well Thursday which could lead to Mayfield starting against the Baltimore Ravens.
Who knows? Maybe we do see Sam Darnold after all.
Either way, the Panthers – more specifically Matt Rhule – put the team in its current position at quarterback and that must be addressed through the 2023 NFL Draft.