The Panthers have four quarterbacks that could be potential starters this year. They have newly acquired Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Matt Corral, and PJ Walker. These four quarterbacks all have the potential to put up electric numbers and the coaching staff is going to have a tough decision when it comes down to who they want as their leader on offense.
Should Baker Mayfield be QB1?
Baker Mayfield has had the most success in the NFL out of these four by significant numbers. Even though Mayfield did not work out in Cleveland, he still has the fire and energy to be the leader of this team. He has thrown for 92 touchdowns in four seasons, but the thing that is hurting him is his interceptions.
Mayfield has 56 interceptions in 59 games. That number needs to change if he wants to be the starting quarterback for the Panthers. Baker Mayfield showed his true potential at Oklahoma and with this new offense, I believe he has the potential to show how good he really can be in the NFL.
Can Sam Darnold Produce on the Panthers?
Sam Darnold was in the same draft class as Baker Mayfield. Just like Mayfield, Darnold has failed to produce in the NFL. In Darnold’s first four seasons, he has 54 touchdowns and 52 interceptions. Darnold did not have a great first year with the Panthers, but maybe with some more reps he can become the answer that the Panthers need at quarterback. I believe Sam Darnold will have to wait his turn to see if Baker Mayfield can produce as the QB1.
When Will Matt Corral be Ready to Start?
Matt Corral was listed as one of the best quarterbacks in this year’s draft, until he got injured in the Ole Miss bowl game. Corral had 3,349 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and only 5 interceptions in his last season at Ole Miss. Corral showed how versatile he was adding 11 rushing touchdowns that season as well.
Not many rookie quarterbacks get thrown into the starting position for week 1 and that is for good reasoning. The NFL is much different than college and has no room for error, which in college you can get away with some. Rookie quarterbacks should have a year to learn from a veteran quarterback. They can teach them how to read the defense, how quick the game is, and in practice they will get plenty of reps to see what it’s like to play in game situations.
Can PJ Walker’s Success in the XFL Transfer Over to the Panthers?
PJ Walker only played five games in the XFL, but he showed he can put up some big numbers. He had 1,338 passing yards, 15 touchdown passes, and only 4 interceptions. These stats landed him a contract with the Carolina Panthers. Matt Rhule is very familiar with PJ Walker as he was his college coach at Temple. PJ Walker has the potential to become the starter for the Panthers, but he will need to get a lot more experience and reps under his belt before that.
Who Will be the Starter Week 1?
Right now, Baker Mayfield is listed as the starting quarterback on the Panthers depth chart, which means he will most likely be under center week 1. I believe Mayfield will have a terrific first year in Carolina with his new offense. Sam Darnold is listed as the backup quarterback, but I see either PJ Walker or Matt Corral jumping him in the rankings to take that number two spot. Look for Mayfield to be the QB1 and if he doesn’t produce, then Walker or Corral taking over.
