P.J. Walker is QB1 in Carolina.
Carolina Panthers interim head coach Steve Wilks announced Tuesday that P.J. Walker will remain the starter at quarterback. The announcement comes as no surprise to anyone a day after the third-year quarterback threw for 317 yards and led Carolina to a season-high 34 points against the Atlanta Falcons.
That performance included an epic Hail Mary that traveled an NFL Next Gen Stats-record 67.6 yards in the air for a TD to tie the game in the closing seconds.
Unfortunately, wide receiver D.J. Moore took off his helmet after the catch, was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct, and Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro missed the PAT that would have won the game. Carolina lost, 34-31, in overtime.
Despite the bitter defeat, Walker was a huge bright spot for the Panthers. Not bad for a QB pressed into action by an injury to starter Baker Mayfield in Week 5. Making just his third start, Walker showed a firm grasp of the plays in jump-starting an offense that has ranked near the bottom of the NFL this season.
Despite Mayfield’s struggles this year, Wilks praised the veteran for his positive attitude in backing up Walker.
“Baker, to me, has been the ultimate, ultimate pro,” Wilks said (via USA Today). “As a guy who I know personally being around him and knowing that he is such a competitor. All these guys wanna play. And they should. I mean, that’s their mentality. But he’s supported P.J. on and off the field.”
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.