Carolina Panthers: Key Takeaways from game against Patriots

5 of 5

CHARLOTTE, NC – AUGUST 17: Taylor Heinicke #6 of the Carolina Panthers throws a pass against the Miami Dolphins in the second quarter during the game at Bank of America Stadium on August 17, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Taylor Heinicke has inside track for backup job

While there is plenty that can change after next week’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, at this point Taylor Heinicke should be considered the favorite for the backup QB job. He has been competing this summer with Garrett Gilbert however for the second straight week, Heinicke entered the game before Gilbert.

Heinicke was not drafted in the 2015 NFL Draft and signed with the Minnesota Vikings as a free agent. He then spent two seasons with the Vikings before being cut before last season, and split time between the Houston Texans and the New England Patriots.

That time with the Vikings appears to be paying dividends as he has experience running Norv Turner’s offense and has looked comfortable this preseason. Against the Patriots, he went 5 for 6 for 46 yards and did pick up a touchdown with his feet in the third quarter.

Next. Panthers: Players to watch against Patriots. dark

A strong game against the Steelers should be enough for him to earn that backup job behind Cam Newton.

Home/North Carolina Sports