Old North Banter
Fansided

Carolina Panthers: 3 questions that still need answers

By Christian Candeloro

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 17: Brian Burns #53 of the Carolina Panthers forces a fumble by Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons during a two-point conversion attempt during the third quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 17: Brian Burns #53 of the Carolina Panthers forces a fumble by Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons during a two-point conversion attempt during the third quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next

2. Who will be the back-up quarterback?

HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 07: P.J. Walker #11 of the Houston Roughnecks throws a pass downfield against the Seattle Dragons during an XFL game at TDECU Stadium on March 07, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 07: P.J. Walker #11 of the Houston Roughnecks throws a pass downfield against the Seattle Dragons during an XFL game at TDECU Stadium on March 07, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

The Panthers answered the questions at starting quarterback by signing Teddy Bridgewater, but who will be his back-up? The Panthers signed XFL star P.J. Walker to compete with incumbent back-up Will Grier, leading to a training camp and preseason (if there is one) full of competition.

The Panthers used a 3rd-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft to select Grier, a successful two-year starter out of West Virginia. Considered a heady and accurate prospect, Grier was knocked for his lack of arm talent and issues with turnovers. During the Panthers disastrous 2019 season that featured a revolving door at quarterback, Grier was given the opportunity to start two games, completing only 53.8 percent of his passes and throwing four interceptions without a touchdown. Not the greatest start.

Granted, Grier was surrounded with a dearth of weapons outside of Christian McCaffrey and a leaky offensive line. Expecting different results might be madness. Still, questions surround whether he has the ability to lead the Panthers to wins if thrust into the spotlight.

Enter Walker, an undrafted talent out of Temple, who after flaming out in his first stint in the NFL, made a serious name for himself in the XFL. The 5’11” dual-threat quarterback won all five of his XFL starts, completing over 65 percent of his throws and tossing 15 touchdown passes. He led the league in passing, providing highlight-reel plays week in and week out. Skills wise, an observer would think he possesses more upside than Grier, but we must not forget that he has already been cast off by the NFL once. It’s the type of risk a rebuilding team can make at a low impact spot.

So the question remains, who will be the team’s back-up in 2020? It’s likely the Panthers keep three quarterbacks on the roster unless one quarterback really struggles in the preseason. My bet is on Walker, a former player for Rhule at Temple, gets the edge over Grier.

Home/Carolina Panthers