It was a rough outing for PJ Walker and the entire Carolina Panthers’ squad in their 42-21 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Walker finished the game 3-10, for nine yards and two interceptions before being benched in the 2nd half. Although Panthers’ interim coach Steve Wilks made a number of changes first thing Monday morning, including firing cornerbacks coach Evan Cooper and defensive line coach Paul Pasqualoni, benching PJ for good isn’t one of them.
“PJ will be the starting quarterback this week, moving forward for this particular game.” Wilks said during his Monday press conference.
Wilks mentioned the short week and his play in week eight against Atlanta when asked why he decided to stick with Walker instead of going with Baker Mayfield, who played the 2nd half of Sunday’s loss to the Bengals – completing 14-20 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns.
“We’re going to rally behind PJ and give him the things he needs from a game-planning standpoint to go out and execute.”
The Panthers will take on the Falcons Thursday night at Bank of America Stadium.