The Carolina Panthers are still PJ Walker’s team.
On Monday, less than 24 hours after a roller coaster of a defeat at the hands of the Atlanta Falcons, interim head coach Steve Wilks was asked if he plans on starting Walker for a fourth start outing next week. And despite the offense’s “rough start” Wilks referred to during his presser, it’s on to Cincinnati with PJ under center!
Luckily for Walker, who was announced the Week 9 starter, he settled down in the second half of Sunday’s thriller. The third-year passer recorded a career-high 317 yards, with 62 of those coming on a spectacular game-tying touchdown heave to wide receiver DJ Moore.
Wilks was also asked about Baker Mayfield, who has essentially been Wally Pipp’d by Walker and relegated to a backup role for the time being. But even in a tough situation for him personally, Mayfield has been an amazing presence for Walker and for the team according to Wilks.
“Baker, to me, has been the ultimate, ultimate pro,” he said emphatically. “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 PJ on and off the field. And to see him do what he did—just a testament to who he is as a person.”
Mayfield may be particularly helpful for Walker this week with his old AFC North foes in the Bengals on deck.
